alex meade

AUSTIN, Texas - When the Rio Grande Guardian exclusively interviewed Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., last week he alluded to some big news on the horizon.

Asked what 2024 might have in store, Treviño said: “We’re hoping to end (2023) with a bang and thankful for all of the progress and development that we’ve had over this past year. Hopefully we’re going to start the new year with some very exciting development and, as soon at it happens, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I don’t want to jinx it.”

Now we know what the judge was referring to. On Tuesday, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a minute order that adds a future roadway, State Highway 104, to the state highway system. The designation opens the door to additional funding sources to accelerate development and construction of the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway project. SH 104 will be built between FM 106 and Park Road 100 on South Padre Island. 

Treviño was at the TTC to hear the news. Indeed, he spoke at the meeting just before the new minute order was unanimously approved. Other speakers from the Rio Grande Valley included TTC Commissioner Alex Meade, and RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman David Fuentes.

Here is a podcast that features their remarks.

To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.

MCALLEN, Texas - The chairman of the Texas House Transportation Committee said he wanted to lay down some facts when he spoke before TxDOT’s Border Trade Advisory Committee.

State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg spoke about some of his achievements in the area of transportation during the most recent legislative session. He then gave a big picture view of the importance of the advisory committee.

“I want to give you a bit of perspective. The United States is the greatest superpower the world has ever seen. That’s a fact. Mexico is now our largest trading partner, as reported by all news outlets. That's a fact. That means this committee and the work that this committee does, probably makes this the most powerful Trade Advisory Committee on the face of the planet. That's a fact,” Canales said.

“So moving forward, what do we do?” Canales asked. How do we fund the Border Master Plan?”

Canales answered his own question. He said funding the Border Master Plan is should be the work of the advisory committee. 

"So I leave you with that. You are the most powerful Trade Advisory Committee on the face of the planet. And the work and movement that you do here will forge and form the future of not only Texas, not only the Rio Grande Valley, but the entire United States. 

"And so figuring out how we fund the projects that are in the Border Master Plan; I would challenge this committee to say we're going to find that funding one way or another. Through moving TxDOT funds, or however you do it. And build out the Border Master Plan over the next 25 years. It is possible. It's a challenge you should accept. It is incumbent upon us.”

Secretary of State Jane Nelson chaired the meeting, which was held at the McAllen Convention Center. Nelson said Canales’ remarks were “inspiring.”

Meade’s analysis

Alejandro ‘Alex’ Meade, the new Texas Transportation Commission member, also spoke at the Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting.

Meade said he agreed with Canales. “This could not be a more powerful committee,” Meade said. “The State of Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation. We have the eighth largest economy in the world. And the only way we can do that is by having a strong border. Investing in the border is investing in Texas. And so we have to remind ourselves and remind our partners that we have to continue investing in the border.”

Meade pointed out that trade with Mexico, in just the Valley and Laredo regions, is worth $1 billion a day.  

“Nothing happens in Texas without the border. Nothing happens in this country without the border.”

Here is an audio recording of the entire remarks Canales and Meade made at the Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting.

To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.