Joint Meeting of Eagle Pass and Maverick County Entities Focuses on Economic Development
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2022
A joint meeting of the City of Eagle Pass, Maverick County, Maverick County Hospital District, Eagle Pass Independent School District, Eagle Pass Water Works and Sewer System, Eagle Pass-Maverick County Economic Development Alliance, and local, state, and federal representatives on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the Eagle Pass International Center for International Trade in Eagle Pass, Texas focused on economic development priorities and projects to spur the growth and prosperity of the Eagle Pass and Maverick County community.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. hosted the joint meeting and welcomed the Board of Directors of each local entity participating in the meeting.
Mayor Salinas listed the top five priority projects for the City of Eagle Pass as being the extension of the Patsy Winn Boulevard from U. S. Highway 277 South to El Indio Road (FM 1021); the construction of an additional Fire Station No. 4 to service the south side of the community; the renovation of the former Texas DPS Building on U. S. Highway 277 South into a substation for the Eagle Pass Police Department and Maverick County Sheriff’s Department; the construction of a Domestic Violence Shelter in the community; and the construction of a recreational and natatorium facility in the city.
Maverick County Judge David R. Saucedo described the county’s top priorities as infrastructure development such as sewer, water, and paving of streets; completion of the County Lake Amphitheater project; extension of Loop 480 from U. S. Highway 57 South to U. S. Highway 277 North; extension of FM 1021 (El Indio Highway) from El Indio, Texas to Laredo, Texas; and construction of a sub-station for the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department.
County Commissioner Precinct 4 Roberto Ruiz added the approval of a Presidential Permit to construct a third international bridge to be owned by Maverick County as another priority.
Eagle Pass Independent School District Superintendent Samuel Mijares listed the top priority projects as renovating the old Eagle Pass Fire Department building to house the new Health Science and Hospitality and Tourism Programs to be implemented in the local district; the expansion of the EPISD Bus Transportation Department by adding 4,000 square feet facility for training and development of school bus drivers; the replacement of the Heating and Air Conditioning Systems of both Eagle Pass High School and C. C. Winn High School; the expansion of the Student Activity Center Cozel Foster-Veterans Memorial Stadium by adding 1.000 seats and additional parking areas; renovate the old District Service Center on Eidson Road into the new offices of the EPISD Police Department; and construct a new Early Childhood campus.
Eagle Pass Water Works and Sewer System General Manager Jorge Barrera described the top priority projects as being the completion of all pending projects such as the $55 million Capital Improvements Project, the expansion of the Roberto Gonzalez Water Treatment Plant, elevated water storage tanks, and groundwater storage tanks, laying of pipe line systems, installation of digital metering systems, and installation of digital mapping system; acquisition of additional water rights for the next 50 years, including obtaining a second source of water (other than the Rio Grande); renovation and modernization of the water treatment plant; replace asbestos cement pipe lines; and upgrade the El Indio water distribution system.
Maverick County Hospital District President Aaron Valdez listed the top priorities as being the transition into a rural hospital system so additional healthcare services and providers can be provided to the community; and the acquisition or purchase of a hospice services system or program for the community.
Eagle Pass-Maverick County Economic Development Alliance (EPMCEDA) President Morris Libson, Jr. described the top priorities as being the need to commence the acquisition of a Presidential Permit for a third international bridge for the future of the community; fully optimize the use of Eagle Pass International Bridges Nos. 1 and 2; the acquisition or development of a four year institution of higher learning (university/college) in the community; and the development of a joint City and County Fast Track Permitting Center for development projects.
EPMCEDA Executive Director Judith Canales added that the extension of Broad Band internet within the city and county would transform into significant economic development; and the development of a new U. S. D. A. Livestock Export facility in Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.
Discussion of these projects was held by the joint entities and participants in the meeting.
EPMCEDA President Morris Libson, Jr., who jointly holds the chairmanship of the City of Piedras Negras, Coahuila Economic Development Committee, stated that the future of Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras is very bright and the area is going to boom with many projects being planned in Mexico, including the development and construction of a super highway from the Mexican Pacific coast in Mazatlan, Mexico to the Piedras Negras, Coahuila and Eagle Pass Port of Entry for development and facilitate international trade between the U.S.-Mexico and the world.
