CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Yesterday, Valente Olivarez, Jr., P.E., began his new position as the Corpus Christi District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) after serving as Deputy District Engineer since 2015. Olivarez will supervise the planning, design, building, operation and maintenance of the state transportation system in the following counties: Aransas, Bee, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.

Originally from Mission, Olivarez began his career with TxDOT at the Pharr Area Office in 1999 after graduating from Texas A&M University in Kingsville. Olivarez received several construction awards from the Association of General Contractors for his work in the Rio Grande Valley and eventually reached the position of Pharr Area Engineer in 2006.

In 2014, Olivarez was chosen as the Director of Operations for the Corpus Christi District, and the following year he was promoted to Deputy District Engineer. Olivarez served as project manager for the $1 billion Harbor Bridge project.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement regarding Olivarez:

"I congratulate Valente Olivarez, Jr. on his appointment as the new Corpus Christi District Engineer. With his background, knowledge, and experience, I am confident that he will effectively guide the Corpus Christi District. Olivarez has also proven his ability to lead throughout his career, especially as the project manager of the considerable Harbor Bridge project.

In every meeting I have participated in with former District Engineer Chris Caron regarding the Harbor Bridge project, Olivarez has been an active and knowledgeable participant.

As a South Texas native, Olivarez will be a great asset in overseeing the transportation infrastructure needs of the Corpus Christi District's 10 counties. I look forward to working with him to improve mobility and enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our region."

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