AUSTIN, TX -- Today, the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) approved more than $135.7 million in new authorization for construction projects in Hidalgo County as well as $23.1 million in funding adjustments for previously approved projects. The Commission also approved $30.7 million in increased funding for a total of $88.9 million to upgrade US 281 in southern Brooks County to interstate standards. The projects are included in the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) 2021 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) adopted unanimously by the Commission earlier today. The UTP includes all transportation projects that TxDOT is developing for construction over the next ten years and guides the development of those projects.

The following are some of the newly authorized projects and funding adjustments approved for Hidalgo and Brooks Counties:

• $96 million for Phase 1 of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC) from 365 Tollway and FM 493 to IH 2. (New Authorization)
• $30.7 million in increased funding to upgrade US 281 in southern Brooks County to interstate standards.
• $5.5 million to widen SH 364 in Mission from FM 2221 to FM 676 (New Authorization).
• $11.1 million in increased funding to widen FM 676 in Alton from SH 107 to Taylor Rd.
• $12 million in increased funding to widen FM 676 in Alton from SH 364, East to SH 107.
• $19 million to widen FM 2061 in McAllen from Bus 83 S to Hall Acres Rd. (New Authorization)
• $9.2 million to widen FM 3362 in Pharr from Bus 83 S to SH 495. (New Authorization)

Additionally, the Commission also approved $30 million in Rider 11(b) funds, which as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee I have secured in the budget to fund border infrastructure projects, and $46 million in Coordinated Border Infrastructure funds. These funds will be used for the expansion of the Anzalduas Port of Entry to make improvements to southbound inspection facilities and construct northbound facilities to enable loaded and empty commercial traffic in both direction. The funds will also be used for SH 365 to reduce congestion on Cage Blvd and serve traffic traveling from the international bridges and trade zones.

These projects adopted in the 2021 UTP are in addition to construction projects currently underway including the $303 million Pharr Interchange reconstruction project, $46 million Bicentennial Project in McAllen, and the $155 million US 83 La Joya Corridor project.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"As we continue dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, we must also move forward with investing in our transportation infrastructure. Infrastructure is key to continue the economic growth of the Rio Grande Valley and to help us rebound quickly from the economic downturn. I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission's unanimous vote today to approve the 2021 Unified Transportation Program.

The RGV legislative delegation has been working closely with the Commission, TxDOT leadership, and RGVMPO, including Chairman and Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, who played a key role in prioritizing the IBTC project. Together, we will work to make our priorities known and to continue advocating for additional investments in transportation infrastructure projects in South Texas. The newly authorized projects and increased funding in the 2021 UTP will greatly help our transportation needs in the Rio Grande Valley."

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