BEDC-TXDOT Transportation Workshop

(Press Release) The City of Eagle Pass BEDC held a transportation workshop with the Texas Department of Transportation on February 8, 2018, at the Eagle Pass Public Library.  Mayor Ramsey English- Cantu welcomed TXDOT Chief Strategist and Project Director Mr. Lauren Garduno, Laredo Chief Engineer David Salazar, and Melissa Montemayor.  Councilmen Billy Davis and Luis Sifuentes also participated in the workshop. 

TXDOT’s David Salazar and Melissa Montemayor briefed City Officials and BEDC Members on budgeted and unbudgeted projects slated for the Eagle Pass Region.  Lauren Garduno provided a detailed outline on how to develop a Regional Transportation Corridor Plan that would support economic development.  Mr. Garduno stressed the importance for the city to continue its collaborative efforts of working with all local and regional government bodies to better leverage State and Federal funding to enhance transportation and infrastructure projects. 

City Bridge Administrator Anna de la Garza, and Assistant City Finance Director Placido Madera, and Constellation Bands Representative Cesar Isidro Munoz presented key information about projected increased commercial traffic at the ports of entry in 2018 and 2019. 

Ideas discussed included the expansion of US Highway 57 to a four-lane highway to support projected increase in commercial traffic from Mexico and addressing safety related concerns.

“Our data shows that traffic related accidents are above average on Highway 57 compared to the rest of the state, and with the expected growth in deliverable goods from companies like Constellation Brands, the Eagle Pass Region certainly has a case to present for greater State and Federal resources,” said Lauren Garduno.

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and BEDC Chairman pledged to advocate the region’s State and Federal Legislative Delegation, TXDOT, and the Texas Transportation Commission for greater access to government dollars for infrastructure.