Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Weslaco on Tuesday, carrying $26 million for infrastructure improvements in the area.
Abbott said $8 million would support water and drainage improvements, $10 million was earmarked for the Mid-Valley Airport runway expansion project, and $8 million would be used for an emergency and first responder facility to be located at the airport.
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez told the RGV Business Journal that the city received the most money per capita in Texas during the legislative session earlier this year.
“The state sees the potential of this area,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not only a win for Weslaco, but a win for the whole valley, and we are receiving it with open arms.”
Gonzalez said Weslaco is strategically located and serves as a central location for the Texas Department of Public Safety, the National Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
“We want them to utilize the hangar for operations and communications in the event of a disaster,” Gonzalez said. “The new hangar will be equipped with everything they need for that.”
State Rep. Armando Martinez said the airport is a hidden gem.
“We have access to (Hwy) 281, as well,” Martinez said. “Weslaco is now a hub for disaster relief.”
Gonzalez said a canal located near the airport would be placed underground to accommodate the runway expansion. That project would also benefit the surrounding areas that may have drainage issues.
“Expanding the runway is key, so that we have the capacity to allow bigger planes to land here,” Gonzalez said. “We need that to attract a tier 2 company here and help get our residents good-paying jobs. Economic development and growth are important to me. I want to be able to create jobs.”
State Sens. Adam Hinojosa (R-Brownsville) and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) both said Abbott has visited the Valley more than any other governor. State Rep. Armando Martinez (D-Weslaco) said Abbott was eager to help the Valley.
“When I went to the governor’s office, he asked, ‘What can I do for you? What can I do for the Rio Grande Valley?” Martinez said.
Gonzalez said city officials spent a large amount of time in Austin during the legislative session campaigning for the funding.
“After I got elected, Rep. Martinez and I met and thought, ‘we need to go big,’” Gonzalez said. “So we started the meetings and conversations that led to this. The Port of Brownsville is so close by. Why can’t we have a Tier 2 company here? And the National Guard and all these agencies will benefit from a larger runway here, too. Weslaco is growing, and we’re going to continue to grow.”
Steven M. Valdez, executive director of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, said the airport improvements add value to what the city can offer.
“We can use airport improvements as a tool, as we at the EDC make daily efforts to recruit new companies to the city,” Valdez said. “It adds to our ability to promote the city and support job creation.”
