AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved a request from the City of Corpus Christi (City) for $222,475,000 in multi-year financing from the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for a desalination plant in the Port of Corpus Christi’s Inner Harbor Ship Channel near Port Aransas.

As part of a multi-phase project, the funds approved today are expected to cover costs to both the design and construction of the desalination facility. In 2017, the City had received $2.75 million in financing from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) to find a site and prepare permits for two plants for the project. The Inner Harbor desalination plant will be the first to be built while the second plant will be built in the future near the La Quinta Channel in San Patricio County. Ultimately, the two desalination plants are estimated to have a combined capacity of 70 million gallons of water per day.

The desalination facilities are considered to be the key to providing a reliable, sustainable water base for future economic development and jobs in the region. As the regional water supplier for more than 500,000 people and various businesses along with the rising demand from large industrial customers, Corpus Christi devised a long-term plan to meet the area’s water supply needs. The long-term plan needed to ensure that City’s total water supply capacity exceeded water demand by 25 percent to accommodate the large demand increases from industrial users.

Within the last ten years, desalination plants have gained some acceptance as an alternative source of water. In 2014, Senator Hinojosa was a member the Joint-Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination. This lead to Senator Hinojosa becoming a sponsor of House Bill 2031 in 2015, a significant piece of legislation for desalination projects. The legislation required the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to adopt rules to allow seawater to be treated by a desalination facility to be used as public drinking water as long as it meets Health and Safety Code standards. The legislation also allowed entities to obtain permits to divert and use seawater in accordance with rules established by TCEQ.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Water security is one of the most pressing social and economic challenges of our time. The future prosperity of Texas depends heavily on the availability of water. Converting our seawaters into fresh water, already common in South America and the Middle East, is an important component of any solution to Texas’ water shortages and rising demand. I applaud the City of Corpus Christi for their proactive approach to ensure future generations have a sustainable water supply. By securing the SWIFT loans, the City will have the water infrastructure necessary to support the future prosperity of our economy.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committees on Redistricting and Texas Ports.

EDINBURG, TX — Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott requesting an order for flags in the Rio Grande Valley to be flown at half-staff in honor of the life and public service of City of McAllen police officers Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chavez, who were shot and killed in the line of duty on July 11, 2020.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Our community is mourning the senseless and tragic shooting of officers Edelmiro Garza and Ismael Chavez who lost their lives working to keep our community safe. We are forever indebted to their service and owe an immeasurable debt to their families for their suffering, pain, and heartache caused by the loss of their loved one. This request to Governor Abbott is to show our respect and to honor the lives and public service of officers Garza and Chavez.”

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 Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Property Tax; and Agriculture.

AUSTIN — Today, the Office of the Governor and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed they have deployed 628 individuals via BCFS to hospitals and medical centers in the Rio Grande Valley. BCFS Health and Human Services’ Emergency Management Division is a non-profit partner of federal, state and local government and private industry, specializing in public health & medical emergency response. This assistance is being provided in response to the requests from county judges and hospital administrators in the Rio Grande Valley requesting additional personnel assistance from the state.

On June 26, 2020, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez sent an urgent request to Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the members of the RGV legislative delegation for assistance in the form of additional medical staff and the equipment necessary to provide for the health and safety of the citizens of Hidalgo County. Our offices immediately engaged the Office of the Governor, DSHS, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). By Monday, June 29th, the state had deployed 112 staff to Edinburg and 46 to McAllen with the commitment to deploy more during the week. To date, the following assistance has been provided to Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy Counties:

Related to staffing – staff deployed via BCFS (628):

1. Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen:  56 staff deployed
2. Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville: 32 staff deployed
3. Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen:  22 staff deployed
4. Harlingen Regional Medical Center in Brownsville: 28 staff deployed
5. Edinburg Regional Medical Center in Edinburg: 55 staff deployed
6. Doctors Hospital Renaissance in Edinburg: 354 staff deployed
7. Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen: 46 staff deployed
8. McAllen Heart Hospital in Edinburg: 8 staff deployed
9. Starr County Memorial: 27 staff deployed last night

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate the requests and tireless efforts from our South Texas county judges and hospital administrators to respond to the increase in the number of hospitalizations due to complications from COVID-19. We are thankful to Governor Greg Abbott and our state agencies for quickly acting on our requests and providing relief to our region. To carry out our mission to successfully provide the health care needs for COVID-19 it requires everyone at all levels of government working together. We are all in this together, and we can only succeed through collective action where everyone is working toward solving this crisis as one community.”

In addition to the staff deployed via BCFS, the following requests are in process:

1. Ambulance strike team assistance and lab technician assistance to Starr County
2. An additional nurse deploying to Starr County
3. 32 staff for Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco
4. Ventilator deployment to the region tomorrow
5. Ventilator deployment to Doctors Hospital tonight (10)

Other Items:

1. Ventilators at Mission Regional Medical Center and South Texas Health Systems (3 each)
2. Ambulance strike teams in Hidalgo and Cameron counties
3. Epidemiologist surge for the region

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committees on Redistricting and Texas Ports.

AUSTIN —Today, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) approved the City of Corpus Christi’s (City) grant application for $7.2 million submitted to the GLO’s Hurricane Harvey Local Infrastructure Program. The City plans to use the funding to conduct drainage infrastructure improvements to facilitate proper stormwater conveyance and reduce the impact of future flooding.

The City is the latest recipient of the federal grant in the region, joining Nueces County and the City of Robstown of which received grants earlier this year. In 2018, the City and Nueces County teamed up to address drainage issues by signing an agreement to pursue local, state and federal grant funding for a countywide drainage study. As the City’s population increases, it puts more pressure on drainage.

Drainage improvements are costly to local governments and large projects can cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. The 2019 Texas Legislature added another funding option with the creation of the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) through Senate Bill 7. The new FIF program, administered by the Texas Water Development Board, provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in securing funding to help local communities plan for future flood events. Senator Hinojosa was a co-author of Senate Bill 500, which authorized a transfer of $793 million from the “Rainy Day” Fund to start the FIF program.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“In 2017, the City of Corpus Christi was heavily impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s winds, floodwaters and storm surges resulting in damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The federal grant award to Corpus Christi will go a long way with preparing for future storms. I congratulate Corpus Christi for obtaining this grant. I appreciate the leadership of Mayor McComb, the City Council, and the hard work of the City’s staff to identify and secure sources of available funds that will protect our residents and their property from future flooding events.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committees on Redistricting and Texas Ports.

AUSTIN — The Texas Transportation Commission approved a $3.8 million grant from the Texas Mobility Fund for the Port of Corpus Christi for safety improvements to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor and Rincon Road leading to the Rincon Industrial Complex. Specifically, the funds are for the expansion of Rincon Road by 3,400 linear feet to include intelligent transportation system components, lighting, striping, signal installation and improvement of the intersection.

This grant is being awarded pursuant to a budget rider for Texas ports approved by the legislature the past three sessions. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental this past session in securing $40 million for the Port Access Improvement Grant Program to improve connectivity to Texas ports. Projects are selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to the Port of Corpus Christi on receiving a $3.8 million grant from the Texas Transportation Commission for safety improvements to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor and Rincon Road. With the growth of the Port of Corpus Christi, and the increased traffic due to the construction of the new Harbor Bridge, it is important that we continue to invest in the safety and infrastructure needs so that our Port can continue to grow and provide jobs and resources for our community.

For the past three sessions I have advocated aggressively and have played a key role in securing funds for port capital improvement projects. I appreciate Charlie Zahn, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi and Sean Strawbridge, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi, for their leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to our port and the Coastal Bend region.”

This $3.8 million grant, along with the previous grants funded by this rider, bring the total investment from the Port Access Improvement Grant Program to almost $10 million for the Port of Corpus Christi.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committees on Redistricting and Texas Ports.

The Coastal Bend delegation of Texas legislators mourns the horrific and senseless deaths of George Floyd, Michael Ramos, Breonna Taylor, and many others. Despite its lofty principles of fairness and equal protection, our justice system failed these Americans. It is clear that changes are necessary to ensure proper training, oversight, and accountability, and we commit ourselves to finding bipartisan solutions to protect the lives and civil liberties of all Texans.

South Texas and the Coastal Bend stand for peace, care, concern, and respect for all persons. We stand with our neighbors who have taken to the streets to grieve, seek justice, upend entrenched systems of discrimination, and hold leaders to account. Their righteous cause is threatened, however, by the selfish and destructive actions of outside agitators, and we strongly condemn attempts to replace peaceful protests with rioting, looting, and violence.

As this situation develops, we urge restraint from everyone involved. Protest is a fundamental and inexorable right of all Americans, but violence and property damage serve only to distract us from the problems at hand. Similarly, we encourage all law enforcement officers to follow the example of many of their peers nationwide by communicating with protestors, seeking to understand their frustrations, and de-escalating tense situations.

We hope all Texans will engage in the difficult conversations and introspection this moment demands. After years of empty words and little action, this can be the time when we transcend the mistakes of the past and present and work toward a brighter, more equitable future—together.

Together in peace,

 Senator Judith Zaffirini

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

Representative Todd Hunter

Representative Abel Herrero

Representative J.M. Lozano

Today, Senator Hinojosa donated $10,000 to food banks in his senatorial district. After conversations with the executive directors of the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend Food Bank, it was clear that they had the same need, financial support. The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has increased the demand for food and it is expected to increase as more individuals are furloughed or laid off. The employees and volunteers of these food banks are working overtime to make sure the pantries they serve are stocked and packing Emergency Food Boxes to help fill the needs of families in our communities.

Donating money to the food banks is the most efficient way to help support those in need. By donating cash, the food banks can convert every $1 to 4 meals. This means more fruits, vegetables, and other foods for not only many of the Seniors in our community who rely on food banks, but also now those that have been impacted by COVID-19. For this reason, Senator Hinojosa has donated $5,000 to the Coastal Bend Food Bank which serves eleven counties including Nueces, Brooks, and Jim Wells; and $5,000 to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley which serves four counties including Hidalgo County, in Senator Hinojosa’s senatorial district.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“As many of our neighbors, family members, and friends are facing unprecedented challenges and financial situations, hunger should not be one of their worries. I admire the many food bank employees and volunteers who are in the front lines working tirelessly to meet increased demand. I know this donation today will allow them to help feed many families who need our support. We are all in this together and I encourage others who have the means to also donate to our food banks.”

How to Apply for Food Assistance

Families in need of food assistance should apply for help online. If you are in the Coastal Bend Region, click here. If you are in the RGV region, click here.

How to Donate

The Food Bank is encouraging residents to donate funds rather than food items to help feed those in need. If you would like to donate to the Food Bank of the RGV click here. To donate to the Coastal Bend Food Bank, click here.

Dear SD 20 County Officials,

Yesterday, the Texas Transportation Commission approved the program call for the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF). This past session, I supported the appropriation of $250 million for the CTIF Program, $125 million in Senate Bill 500 from the Economic Stabilization Fund, and $125 million in House Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act. This funding will enable counties in areas affected by energy-sector activities to apply for and obtain grants through TxDOT to repair or improve county roads.

TxDOT will begin notifying all counties, by certified letter to the county judge, of the application process and timeframe for submitting an application to TxDOT for the 2020 program call. The estimated allocations based on the formula in statute for counties in my district include:

• Brooks – $275,541
• Hidalgo – $450,684
• Jim Wells – $209,769
• Nueces – $285,792

TxDOT will begin accepting electronically submitted applications on Monday, April 27, 2020. The application period will end Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Detailed information on the program is available here. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office if you have any questions regarding this program.

Sincerely,

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

State Senator, District 20

Dear SD 20 Public Officials,

I appreciate your leadership, commitment, and dedication to our communities. There is no doubt that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is disrupting our lives. It is changing our daily routines and has led federal, state, and local officials to take actions that we have not seen in our lifetimes. That said, as public officials, we not only have to deal with the immediate challenges, but we also have to continue preparing for any future disaster.

Below is information that was just released from the Texas Water Development Board regarding the new Flood Mitigation Financial Assistance Program Application Period.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

State Senator, District 20

Texas Water Development Board

Flood Mitigation Financial Assistance Program Application

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is now accepting abridged applications for the new flood mitigation financial assistance program. On March 12, the TWDB’s governing Board approved adoption of rules to implement the new financial assistance program as well as the release of the Flood Intended Use Plan (IUP). The application is available on the TWDB website; the application period will be open until 5 p.m. on May 14.

Abridged applications will be used to collect the information necessary to prioritize projects, determine the best source of funding, and rank projects according to the IUP. The TWDB will then invite entities whose proposed projects ranked within the program’s funding capacity to submit complete applications for financial assistance.

The TWDB is currently open for business during its normal operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To comply with best practices during the COV-19 outbreak, many of our staff are telecommuting. We are still available by email and telephone.

The TWDB will soon post to its website recorded presentations by TWDB staff to provide additional information and guidance on the following:

•   The TWDB’s new flood science, planning, and mitigation programs, including the new flood mitigation financial assistance program and Flood IUP.
•  Technical information on how to complete an abridged application for the new flood financial assistance program, eligible projects, and project design standards.

 Additionally, a schedule for Flood Mitigation Funding and Resource Webinars will be announced soon. 

Dear Friends,

There is no doubt that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is disrupting our lives. It is changing our daily routines and has led federal, state, and local officials to take actions that we have not seen in our lifetimes. There is a reason – this is a virus that needs to be taken seriously. One of the ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to strongly encourage social distancing. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a guideline on March 16th which states, “During the next 15 days, all U.S. events of 10+ people should be cancelled or held virtually.” This is a recommendation that needs to be followed and not taken lightly.

In just the past week, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals in Texas testing positive for COVID-19 and two confirmed deaths. The state, Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Attorney General, are all working tirelessly to provide responses, guidance, and relief to Texans as quickly as possible. The same is true for our local public officials, first responders, and health care professionals.

To date, there is no vaccine to cure COVID-19. We have also seen how quickly it can spread and the impact it has on vulnerable populations: those over the age of 65 and those with medical issues. We also know that to prevent the spreading we can do very simple and common-sense things like regularly washing our hands, avoiding handshakes, covering our sneezing and coughing, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. However, based on responses from other impacted areas, the approach that has worked best to limit human to human transmission is to avoid large gatherings.

As difficult as following these guidelines and recommendations may be, none of these decisions are being made lightly. There is nothing more important right now than to do what is best in the interest of public health. I am confident that working together we will get through the challenges of dealing with COVID-19.  

While the Capitol office remains closed to the public, I am working from my district office. I remain in constant communication with state leaders, agency officials and staff through conference calls, monitoring press conferences, and emails. I also have calls with the Coastal Bend legislative delegation and the RGV legislative delegation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email me at Juan.Hinojosa@senate.texas.gov.

Sincerely,

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

State Senator, District 20

Below is a list of state and federal agencies with the latest on COVID-19

Waivers issued by the Governor, click here.

Updates from the Texas Education Agency, click here.

Information from the Texas Workforce Commission for Employers and Job Seekers, click here.

Information about price gouging and consumer protection from the Attorney General, click here.

For the latest updates from the Texas Department of State Health Services, click here.

For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here.

For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.

For the latest updates from the U.S. State Department, click here.

For the latest list of travel restrictions by the Department of Homeland Security, please click here.