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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2017
Contact: Jennifer Saenz
(512) 463-0120 office
(512) 497-9411 cell
Senator Hinojosa Announces $150 Million in Funding from TxDOT for US 83/US 281 Interchange Project

AUSTIN, TX -- Today, the Texas Transportation Commission (TxDOT) approved $218.2 million for Hidalgo County transportation projects, including $150 million for the US 83/US 281 Interchange project. The monies will come from TxDOT under the 2017 Unified Transportation Program which authorizes projects for construction, development and planning activities and includes projects involving highways, aviation, public transportation, and state and coastal waterways.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"It's great news that the Pharr Interchange project was approved by TxDOT to receive $150 million in funding. As one of the fastest growing areas of the state, infrastructure is key to continue our economic growth. The US 83/US 281 is critical to the flow of traffic of the economies of Pharr, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, and Weslaco.

Since last year I have made the Pharr Interchange project a top legislative priority. This funding is critical to improve our transportation system and infrastructure needs to address the congestion and bottlenecks that presently exists.

We have had many meetings with our local elected officials, the Governor's office, TxDOT staff and leadership, including Chairman Tryon Lewis and James Bass who made a visit to the Rio Grande Valley.

Thank you to the leadership of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, the Valley legislative delegation and the Hidalgo County MPO for working together to achieve such great success for our region. The strong local support and investment from our local communities played a key role in successfully obtaining these funds."

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

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