Hinojosa: State leaders realize the importance of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge
PHARR, Texas - State leaders are fully aware of the importance of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, says state Sen. Juan Hinojosa.
By way of an example, Hinojosa cited the $20 million the Legislature gave the City of Pharr earlier this year to assist in the construction of a second span. This will double the capacity of the bridge.
“This bridge is a huge economic driver. The commerce with Mexico continues to grow and expand. In 2022, the amount of commerce that took place was $47 billion. And it continues to grow from three to percent a year,” Hinojosa said.
“So for us, we as a state have recognized the key role that the Pharr Bridge plays. But it's a partnership. We added an additional $20 million, this last session to build and construct a second span, just to increase capacity.”
Hinojosa made his comments in an interview with a reporter at the Pharr Bridge Board’s 2023 Start of the Produce Season celebrations. The event drew many VIPs, elected officials and community leaders, along with those that work in the import-export industry.
Another example Hinojosa cited was the $150 million the Legislature gave to TxDOT to help build the International Bridge Trade Corridor, which will take truck traffic away from neighborhoods in the Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, and Donna areas. The new road will connect the Pharr and Donna international bridges to I-2 and, eventually, take trucks north of Edinburg on the planned State Highway 68.
“We did that (fund the IBTC project) because we understand some of the challenges that are faced by our local communities who complained about some of the commercial trucks that go through neighborhoods,” Hinojosa said. “We have got to find a way to expedite the building and construction of the IBTC.”
Asked if his colleagues on the Senate floor understand the importance of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, Hinojosa said: "They look at the numbers. The Comptroller’s numbers show the economic growth and the contribution that the Rio Grande Valley and our international bridges are providing to support our economy in Texas. So, our bridges here in the Valley play a very key role, not only the Port of Brownsville but our land bridges. They recognize that.”
Hinojosa said the senators also recognize the importance of the bridge when they go to the grocery store. Pharr is the No. 1 bridge in the nation for fruit and vegetables. In fact, according to Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan, over 200,000 shipments of fresh produce cross the bridge every year.
“They (the senators) are surprised when they find out that over 60 percent of the fruits and vegetables that are coming to the United States come through the Pharr Bridge. They like avocados when they are watching football games. They also like the mangoes and watermelons and melons, so they are very grateful for that.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview with Hinojosa at the 2023 Start of the Produce Season event.
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