AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), at their regularly scheduled board meeting allocated $349,606.25 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund to McAllen to meet its local match requirement for the federal funds previously awarded under FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program.

In May 2018, FEMA had accepted McAllen’s application for a federal grant of $1,048,818.75 for a drainage mitigation project. The federal grant provided through this assistance is funded through FEMA and then distributed by the TWDB. However, the grant program can require up to a 25 percent local match from the city in order to receive the federal funds. In some circumstances, cities are unable to provide the local match which results in federal dollars going unused or reallocated to other states.

This past session, the Texas Legislature passed several bills related to funding flood mitigation 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 one-time transfer of $793 million from the “Rainy Day” Fund to the Flood Infrastructure Fund created under another bill co-authored by Senator Hinojosa, Senate Bill 7. Using the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Legislature authorized the TWDB to use the funds to provide eligible political subdivisions with grants to satisfy the local match requirements in a federal program for flood projects. As a result of the action taken today by the TWDB, the City of McAllen and its taxpayers will not have the financial burden to meet its local match requirement to receive the federal funds previously approved by FEMA.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I was proud to support the funding that allows the state to provide grants for our local governmental entities that will help cover the local match requirement for federal funding. The flooding events we have had the past few years show how vulnerable our communities remain to flooding. I commend the City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, the city commission, and their staff for applying for this federal grant for a drainage mitigation project, and am pleased the state is doing its part to eliminate the burden of the local match to provide flood control for our 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.

Leadership – Experience – Results

Austin, TX – After putting South Texas at the forefront of critical state budget negotiations as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed for re-election for a sixth term in the Texas Senate. Senator Hinojosa intends to continue his work for Senate District 20 by providing for an educated and healthy workforce, investing in critical infrastructure, creating jobs, and furthering economic development.   Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:   “With the incredible population and economic growth in our South Texas communities, our region is increasingly playing a larger role in shaping our state’s future. Although we had a great session benefiting all Texans, we still have issues and challenges that need to be addressed next session. This past midterm election proved that elections have consequences and we must continue to support leaders who have the courage to put people over politics and govern with compassion.   I am honored to serve the people of Senate District 20. I have not stopped working and I will continue fighting to make Texas a better place to live for all our families. Semper Fi.”   Hinojosa is known for his ability to work across party lines to get things done for our families. He takes a fair and balanced approach to public policy, fights tirelessly for his district and uses his knowledge and experience to navigate the legislative process. This past session, Hinojosa was again able to play a critical role in securing funding for Senate District 20 priorities including:

• Public Education Funding: We invested an additional $11.5 billion in public education. The minimum per-student amount the state uses to fund schools will increase from $5,180 per student to $6,160. Senate District 20 area school districts will see an increase in funding of over $272 million for the next two years.
• Teacher Pay Raise and Retired Teacher Pensions: Allocated $2 billion to increase compensation for teachers, counselors, librarians, and nurses. An additional $1.1 billion will go towards the pension plan, the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), to ensure actuarial soundness. Additional funding was also provided to TRS-Care for health insurance, so that our retirees will not see a health insurance premium increase in 2020. Also, provided funding for a much needed one-time 13th check capped at $2,000.
• Property Tax Relief: By increasing the state’s share of public school funding from 38% to 45%, school property taxes will be reduced by $5 billion while at the same time capping property taxes at 2.5% for schools. The passage of Senate Bill 2 will help slow the growth of property tax rates by setting a 3.5% trigger for cities and counties, anything above that would have to be approved by the voters.
• Higher Education: Texas A&M Corpus Christi will receive $139 million from the state which is an increase of $8.4 million from the previous session. This includes $2.3 million in first time funding for a much needed civil and industrial engineering program. Del Mar College will receive an increase of $1.2 million and South Texas College an increase of $3.9 million in state funds. The UTRGV School of Medicine will receive $69 million from the state which is an increase of $12 million from the previous session. This includes $2 million in first time funding for the Cervical Dysplasia Cancer Immunology Center.
• Port Infrastructure: $40 million for infrastructure to improve access to and from our Texas Ports.
• Harvey & Flood Control: $3.5 billion to help the Gulf Coast recover and rebuild from Hurricane Harvey and prepare for future disasters. This includes an investment of $990 million to initiate the development of a statewide flood plan, the construction of flood control infrastructure, and critical dam repairs.
• Border Infrastructure and Security: $5 million for the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg to expand an airport hangar for emergency and first responders; $1 million in grants for border zone fire departments; $500,000 for the Texas Transnational Intelligence Center in McAllen; and, operations funding for the Center for Public Safety Excellence from the Governor’s Border Security Grants.
• Mental Health: $7.8 billion in total behavioral health spending across 23 state agencies including $100 million for the Texas Child Mental Health Consortium to provide early intervention for students at risk of suicide, substance abuse, or becoming a danger to themselves or others.
• Level 1 Trauma: $17 million to strengthen trauma system infrastructure statewide of which at least $6 million of the funds will go towards ensuring that South Texas has a life-saving Level 1 trauma center in the near future.
• Military Communities: $30 million to help our military communities protect their facilities from closures or reductions. This is critical to Corpus Christi who is home to the Corpus Christi Army Depot, the world’s largest military helicopter repair facility that accounts for over 6,000 jobs in the Coastal Bend.
• TWIA: Reformed the Texas Windstorm Association by requiring hurricane damages paid for beyond one year trigger the next level of formula funding. This will help prevent unnecessary rate increases and lead to more reasonable, fair, and affordable rates.

Senator Hinojosa has received the prestigious honor of being named “Top Ten Best Legislators” for Texas Monthly magazine three times, and named “Top Ten Legislator” by Capitol Inside three times. 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, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports. Senator Hinojosa is also a member of the Texas Commission on Judicial Selection.

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Political advertisement paid for by Senator Hinojosa Campaign.

AUSTIN — Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to the Texas Commission on Judicial Selection to conduct an interim study on how the state should select its judges in the future. The 15-member Commission will review the method by which appellate court judges and trial court judges having county-wide jurisdiction are selected for office in Texas. The study must consider the fairness, effectiveness, and desirability of selecting the judges through partisan elections, as well as judicial selection methods proposed or adopted by other states.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement on the importance of this study and the need for a non-partisan, consistent, fair, and highly qualified judiciary:

“I appreciate the appointment to the Texas Commission on Judicial Selection,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Texas is one of only six states that uses partisan elections to select all of its judges. The judiciary is an equal branch of our government. Judges undertake an essential role in our society that requires their consistency and objectivity to the rule of law and resolution of disputes. To maintain trust in our courts, judges must apply the law in an impartial and competent manner to achieve the fair dispensation of justice. I look forward to working with the members of the Commission to study this issue and make recommendations for the next legislative session.”

Based on the findings of study, the Commission will prepare a report with recommendations on methods for selecting judges that ensure a fair, impartial, qualified, competent, and stable judiciary. The Commission must report its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2020. Any major reform resulting from the recommendations would require a constitutional amendment, which can only be passed with two-thirds support of each chamber of the legislature and majority approval of the voters.

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

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) met and took action on items that benefit the Corpus Christi area. First, the Commission approved the 2020 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) which authorizes projects involving highways, aviation, public transportation, and state and coastal waterways for construction, development and planning activities. Second, the Commission appointed Sean Strawbridge, CEO of Port Corpus Christi, to the Port Authority Advisory Committee.

The Commission unanimously approved the 2020 Unified Transportation Program which includes the following projects in Nueces County:

• $40 million ($21.5 million increase from previous UTP) – to upgrade SH 286 to freeway standards.
• $35 million – SH 358 for freeway ramp improvements.
• $16 million – To begin planning for intersection improvements between Aquarius St. and Whitecap Blvd.

These projects are in addition to the ongoing $1 billion Harbor Bridge replacement project, the $50.7 million SH 358 eastbound ramp reversal in Corpus Christi, and the $118 million US 77/I 69 Driscoll Relief route.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission’s unanimous vote today to approve the 2020 Unified Transportation Program and for their appointment of Sean Strawbridge to the Port Authority Advisory Committee.

Infrastructure is key to continue the economic growth of the Coastal Bend. The more than $1 billion in ongoing construction in the region and with the additional projects approved today, the Commission and TxDOT leadership continue to show their support and commitment to our Port, Corpus Christi, and Nueces County.  These state investments create jobs, strengthen our economy, and advances our transportation infrastructure.”

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.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) approved more than $388 million for new construction projects in Hidalgo County. The funds will come from TxDOT under the 2020 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) which authorizes projects involving highways, aviation, public transportation, and state and coastal waterways for construction, development and planning activities.

The following are some of the newly authorized projects approved for Hidalgo County:

• $ 194 million – US 281 in Hidalgo County – Upgrade to interstate standards
• $ 180 million  ($124.4 million increase from previous UTP) for SH 68
• $ 11.4 million – Anzalduas International Port of Entry

Also, at the request of Senator Hinojosa, State Representative and House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales, Pharr Mayor and MPO Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, and Hidalgo RMA Chairman David Deanda the Commission re-authorized the funding for SH 365 and SH 550, after TxDOT’s initial staff recommendation to remove the projects from the 2020 UTP.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission’s unanimous vote today to approve the 2020 Unified Transportation Program. Once again, the revised and approved UTP, continues to invest in our fast growing region. Infrastructure is key to continue the economic growth of South Texas. I appreciate the Commission and TxDOT leadership for working with me and our community leaders to continue their support of our transportation needs not only by re-authorizing the SH 365 and SH 550 projects but also for the additional $388 million in new funds for transportation projects in Hidalgo County including upgrading US 281 to interstate standards. The 2020 UTP will greatly help our transportation needs in the Rio Grande Valley.”

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.

McALLEN — Yesterday, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was presented with the Extension in the City Award from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service by Chancellor John Sharp. The presentation was made during an event at the Texas A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen in recognition of Senator Hinojosa’s leadership and support to Texas A&M’s Urban Programs, especially the Healthy South Texas program. Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor and Dean Patrick Stover was also on hand for the award presentation.

As Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has been instrumental in securing funding for Texas A&M AgriLife, including nearly $30 million for the Healthy South Texas program.

Launched as a pilot program in 2015 after Senator Hinojosa secured $10 million in funding during the 84th Texas Legislature, Healthy South Texas has served thousands of Texans and saved millions of dollars in direct and long-term medical costs.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Under the leadership of Chancellor Sharp and Dean Stover, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has made significant investments in improving Texans’ lives. I am honored to be recognized for my support of their vision. Together, we are creating solutions that improve the health and well-being of our families,” said Senator Hinojosa. “In particular, establishing and expanding the Healthy South Texas program has been a priority of mine over the last three legislative sessions. The pilot program has shown tremendous results in terms of improving health outcomes and reducing medical costs in South Texas.”

Chancellor John Sharp issued the following statement:

“I have known Sen. Hinojosa for a long time, and his dedication to his district and to Texas is legendary,” Chancellor Sharp said. “His leadership and support have been vital to the success of Texas A&M AgriLife programs and other efforts of The Texas A&M University System.”

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 — Yesterday, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) authorized an amendment to the grant agreement for an additional $2 million grant for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 reimbursement planning and design costs for the for the multi-phase drainage project known as the Raymondville Drain Project.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa has been instrumental in securing funding for the local flood control project. Since 2013, Senator Hinojosa has successfully included a budget rider that has resulted in $12.1 million in grant funding for this project. In 2017, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality awarded $7 million for the project from the Texas RESTORE Act grants made possible through the efforts of Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and Senator Hinojosa. In addition to state grants, local taxpayers have also paid their share by approving $125 million in bonds for this project.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce the Texas Water Development Board approved this $2.0 million grant for the Raymondville Drain Project. The Raymondville Drain Project is a huge undertaking that will provide storm water management to the entire region and will continue the economic growth of our communities.

Over the last few years, we have worked tirelessly to identify and secure sources of available funds that would not burden our taxpayers or Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 with a loan. To date, I have helped secure nearly $20 million in state funding for the Raymondville Drain Project and I am proud of our efforts to provide flood control for our communities.”

Once completed, the Raymondville Drain Project will stretch 60 miles from Hidalgo County and empty into the Laguna Madre through Willacy County. The project will have components related to regional storm water management to mitigate the impact of storms. Due to the size of the project and the estimated total construction cost (approximately $418 million), the project has been divided into six major phases to be developed as funds become available. Other components of the Raymondville Drain will include water reuse, water conservation, water supply, and protection and provision for economic development.

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 $5,499,000 in financial assistance for the City of Alice from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the planning, design, and construction of a supplemental water source project. The financial assistance will consist of $2,995,000 in financing, $1,025,000 in zero interest financing, and $1,479,000 in principal forgiveness.

The City of Alice intends to develop a second water source to ensure a reliable, drought resistant water supply and to reduce costs associated with the purchase and pumping of raw water from its current sole-source, the City of Corpus Christi. The project contains two phases, with the first phase including planning and design of two groundwater wells and a reverse osmosis (RO) brackish groundwater treatment plant, as well as construction of the first groundwater well. The second phase, which is not included in the current funding, will include construction of the second groundwater well and the RO treatment plant.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I am pleased that the TWDB has approved the City of Alice to receive $5.5 million in financial assistance to develop a new primary water source. This will help alleviate the concern of increased pumping costs to deliver raw water from Corpus Christi, and ensure the residents of Alice continue to receive critical water services during drought times. 

Water security is one of the most pressing challenges of our time and is vital to the development of our society and economies. I applaud Alice officials for working together with the TWDB to invest in infrastructure for the city’s future growth and provide safe drinking water to the city’s residents.”

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, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Redistricting, the committee that will draw state legislative and congressional districts during the upcoming 87th Texas Legislature.

Hinojosa also serves as Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and holds seats on the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Economic Development, Property Tax, Transportation, and Texas Ports committees.

“I am honored to be appointed Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Redistricting,” said Senator Hinojosa. “This is a great responsibility that requires objectivity and bipartisan cooperation. I will seek to draw fair legislative and congressional districts that truly represent the interests of our communities and accurately reflect our growing population. We must ensure that the voices of all Texans may be heard.”

Redistricting is generally done after the completion of the decennial federal census, with the next census to occur in 2020. Senator Hinojosa was previously appointed to the Senate Committee on Redistricting following the 2010 Census.

Some redistricting experts predict Texas will gain three congressional seats during this census cycle. With Texas consistently ranked as one of the fastest growing states in the country, redistricting is necessary to ensure that districts are properly apportioned and Texans have equal representation.

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 Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX — On Thursday, the Texas Transportation Commission held a meeting that included the announcement of the project designer selected for the US 83/US 281 Pharr Interchange Project in Hidalgo County. Dragados- Pulice, a joint venture comprised of Pulice Construction, Inc. and Dragados USA, Inc., with a design-build bid of $303 million, was the best value proposer and was selected as the project designer in charge of the interchange project. At this point, the final terms of the contract will be negotiated and execution is set to begin in August of 2019. The anticipated substantial completion of the project will be late 2022.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“This action by the Texas Transportation Commission is one of the last steps before actual construction of the new interchange can begin. This project, when completed, will address current congestion problems, public safety concerns and will provide the infrastructure needed to continue the economic and population growth of the Rio Grande Valley.

I appreciate TxDOT leadership and the Commissioners for their strong commitment to the Pharr Interchange Project over the past few years. The completion of this project will be considered one of the largest investments in our region and will support the Valley’s economic future. The reconstruction of this key interchange will reduce congestion to keep people and goods moving, better prepare us for future growth, and also improve the quality of life for our RGV residents.”

The Pharr Interchange Project provides for full reconstruction of the US 83/US 281 interchange to include two-lane direct connectors in all four directions. The US 83 general purpose lanes will be reconstructed and/or widened from six to eight non-tolled general purpose lanes (four in each direction) from 2nd Street to the US 83/US 281 interchange, while operational improvements include the reconfiguration of main lane ramps on US 83 from 2nd Street to FM 2557 (S. Stewart Road) and improvements to the approaches and departures to and from the direct connectors along US 281 from Nolana Loop to US 83 in McAllen, Pharr, and San Juan, in Hidalgo County, Texas.

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 Committee on Texas Ports.