AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) met and took action on items that benefit Nueces and Jim Wells Counties. 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 Commission unanimously approved the 2021 Unified Transportation Program which includes the following projects:

Nueces County:

• $30 million to widen SH 286 in Corpus Christi from SH 358 to Horne Rd. (New Authorization)
• $18 million to widen FM 624 in Corpus Christi from CR 73 to Wildcat Dr. (New Authorization)
• $40 million funding maintained to upgrade SH 286 to freeway standards in Corpus Christi from FM 43 to South of FM 2444.
• $35 million funding maintained for freeway ramps at SH 358 in Corpus Christi from Nile Drive to Staples St.

Jim Wells County

• $90 million funding maintained to upgrade US 281 in Alice to freeway standard from Business 281R N to Business 281R S.
• $25 million funding maintained to upgrade US 281 in Alice to freeway standards at US 281 at CR 116 & 117 intersection.

These projects are in addition to the ongoing $1 billion Harbor Bridge replacement project, the $50.7 million SH 358 (SPID) eastbound ramp reversal in Corpus Christi, the $118 million US 77/I 69 Driscoll Relief route, and the $72 million for the US 281 interstate upgrade/relief route in Premont in Jim Wells County.

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 Coastal Bend 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 Coastal Bend legislative delegation has been working closely with the Commission and TxDOT leadership to make our priorities known and to continue advocating for additional investments in transportation infrastructure projects in our region. Our efforts have led to more than $1 billion in ongoing construction projects in the region and with the additional projects authorized today, the Commission and TxDOT leadership continue to show their support and commitment to Corpus Christi and the counties in TxDOTs Corpus Christi District. These state investments create jobs, strengthen our economy, and advance our transportation infrastructure for future growth.“

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, Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, and Texas Ports.

AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved Local Parks Grants for the City of Edinburg’s Chapin Road Hike-and-Bike Trail and the City of Palmview’s Nature Park. Funding for this grant program comes from a portion of the state sales tax attributable to sporting goods and from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program.

The City of Edinburg was approved for $606,617 to develop the Chapin Road Hike-and-Bike Trail. The grant money will go towards a 1.15-mile long hike-and-bike trail; 25 solar lights; 6 benches; parking lot extension providing 30 additional spaces along with ADA ramps; engineering services; and an irrigation and landscaping system, including native trees and landscaping around the pond for safety.

The City of Palmview will receive $300,000 for the development of Nature Park. The grant money will go towards the acquisition of 10 acres of land and recreational facilities such as paved trails (typically used for walking and jogging) and unpaved trails (primarily for mountain biking and nature hikes). The project will also include a basketball court, playground, adult (bench) swings, picnic units, sheltered benches, and exercise stations. Typical support elements such as parking, solar lighting, and drip irrigation will be included.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa worked to secure over $36.1 million in state funding for Local Parks Grants for the 2020-21 biennium.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved grants for park improvements in both Edinburg and Palmview. These funds will help these growing cities meet the recreational needs of their communities and improve the quality of life for their residents.

Local parks are a vital part of creating a livable community. They provide a number of benefits, such as offering a gathering place for families and friends of all ages and economic status and enhance area property values. Local parks also help contribute to the physical, social, and mental well-being of its residents. I applaud Edinburg and Palmview officials for applying for these grants and for their efforts in improving their respective communities.”

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 Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded 5 grants totaling $1,132,275 through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program to Del Mar College and multiple independent school districts within Senate District 20 for programs that support career training for high-demand occupations.

The JET grant program annually provides grants for equipment to eligible education institutions to defray the costs associated with developing career and technical education programs or courses leading to a license, certificate, or post-secondary degree. JET recipients must use equipment to train students in high schools and community colleges for jobs in high-demand occupations or emerging industries.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa was instrumental in the legislature’s decision to appropriate the $16 million to the program for the 2020-2021 biennium. In 2015, Senator Hinojosa authored and passed Senate Bill 1351, which transferred oversight of the JET grant program from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to the TWC. The transfer helped ensure the state-funded program is a priority and bolster the TWC’s capacity-building mission to prepare Texans for today’s workforce.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I want to congratulate our JET recipients in Senate District 20. For many years, I have championed legislation and supported funding for initiatives such as the creation of the JET grant program. The grants will help our students get the essential technical skills and help put Texans back in the workforce in today’s job market. As employers continue to require more than a high school diploma, employers are working together with high schools and community colleges to help meet the demands of the 21^st century workforce.”

The Jobs and Education for Texans grant recipients from Senate District 20 are:

• Del Mar College – $283,381 – The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 414 students with training in the occupation of registered nurse.
• Corpus Christi ISD – $284,976 – The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 680 students with training in the occupation of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse.
• La Joya ISD – $247,126 – The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 130 students with training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD – $269,624 – The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 140 students with training in the occupation of automotive service technician and mechanic.
• San Diego ISD – $47,168 – The grant will help purchase and install equipment to provide 76 students with training in the occupation of electrical and electronical engineering technician

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 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.