texas border operations
Written by Roberto Hugo González
Edinburg, Texas – October 31, 2024 – Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. released a statement expressing strong support for the original 2014 alignment of State Route 68 (SH 68). It supports the growth of South Texas International Airport as a major trade hub. Mayor Garza highlighted serious concerns about the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) recent proposal to change this alignment, saying such changes could harm Edinburg’s economic development and the region’s future development. he warned. In his statement, he emphasized the need to work with TxDOT and regional stakeholders to maintain the original vision for SH 68, which will maximize the airport’s potential and become Rio’s leader in international trade. This is extremely important to enhance the role of Grande Valley.
Please read the statement below.
EDINBURG, Texas – As Mayor of Edinburg, I strongly support the original alignment of State Route 68 (SH 68), established in 2014. State Route 68 was designed to connect the International Bridge Trade Corridor with Interstate 69C and pass near the South Texas International Airport. FM 490. This coordination is essential to developing the region’s transport infrastructure and positioning the airport as an important hub for cargo and trade. However, I am deeply concerned about the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) recent SH 68 realignment proposal, which departs significantly from this carefully considered plan. These proposed changes threaten to disrupt not only Edinburg’s economic trajectory, but the future growth of the region as a whole.
Since the project’s inception, TxDOT has held multiple public hearings and released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2018 supporting the original adjustments. However, Edinburg officials did not plan to reorganize until recently when it was revealed that TxDOT was considering moving SH 68 east of the airport and connecting it to I-69C north of FM 490. He was not involved in the discussion of the proposal. This represents a major deviation from the original plan. root.
This restructuring could undermine our efforts to transform our airports into major cargo and distribution centers and could potentially result in significant financial losses. The entire region, including surrounding cities, stands to benefit from increased trade and transportation activity associated with the airport, but this change puts those opportunities at risk.
Texas Congressman Terry Canales, Chairman of the House District 40 Transportation Committee, said he is at a critical juncture in securing funding to prepare the airport for anticipated growth, a vision that has been in place for more than a decade. It has played an important role. It is imperative that we remain true to this vision by preserving the original SH 68 line, which not only serves the interests of Edinburg, but also promotes the long-term economic success of the entire Rio Grande Valley. It also becomes.
Our goal moving forward is to work with TxDOT to find solutions that benefit all parties. We share Chairman Canales’ concern about ensuring efficient traffic flow without traffic lights, but we must also prioritize a design that balances the future needs of the city, region, and SH 68 .
Edinburg’s South Texas International Airport is essential to border security, regional security, and economic development. The state’s continued investment in this facility underscores its importance. Ensuring SH 68 is aligned with this strategic vision is critical to maximizing the airport’s potential as a platform for trade and growth.
I will continue to work with TxDOT, local leaders, and stakeholders to develop solutions that protect the region’s economic future, support airport growth, and strengthen Edinburg’s role as a major player in international trade. I will do my best to find it.
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