CHAMPIONING SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATORS

Senator Hinojosa recognizes that small businesses are what fuels Texas’ economic engine, as they employ one out of every two Texans. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has put small businesses at the forefront of Texas’ … Continue reading →

SUPPORTING THE ROLE COMMUNITY COLLEGES PLAY IN OUR ECONOMY

As the demand increases for middle-skilled jobs that require more than a high school diploma, Senator Hinojosa recognizes that community colleges fill a critical role in the effort to prepare Texans with the work skills they need to compete for … Continue reading →

ESTABLISHING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM AT TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

It is estimated that over 2 million jobs are being created in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. To help meet that need in our region, Senator Hinojosa worked with A&M Corpus Christi and community leaders to secure … Continue reading →

GIVING OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION NECESSARY TO COMPETE

Education is the ticket to our children’s future. With more education comes more opportunities to compete for higher paying jobs. But as our school populations are exploding, and college tuition keeps rising, we cannot balance the budget on the backs … Continue reading →

TRANSFORMING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION

Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 24 which created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a top-tier university and medical school, and the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation. SB 24 authorized the … Continue reading →

CRACKING DOWN ON WASTE AND MISMANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

Our lawmakers have a responsibility to save taxpayers’ money by making government more efficient and to ensure the proper oversight of governmental entities. As a recent member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance … Continue reading →

STANDING UP FOR HOMEOWNERS AGAINST UNFAIR WINDSTORM INSURANCE RAISES

Thanks to efforts of Senator Hinojosa and his colleagues, Nueces County families can no longer be slapped with excessive surcharges in the aftermath of a hurricane. In the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator Hinojosa led the negotiations to pass comprehensive Texas … Continue reading →

GIVING LAW ENFORCEMENT THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO SECURE THE BORDER

Senator Hinojosa has led the effort to properly equip the Department of Public Safety to combat drug traffickers and help ease the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed on border communities. Senator Hinojosa understands the importance of giving law … Continue reading →

EXPANDING THE COASTAL ECONOMY

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa secured increased funding for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, including first time funding for the new civil and industrial engineering program. Similarly, Senator Hinojosa obtained additional funds for Del Mar Community … Continue reading →

Statement from Senator Hinojosa Regarding State Highway 68 Project

Posted on November 1, 2024 by hinojosa

Yesterday, our House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales had a press conference regarding the State Highway (SH) 68 project in Hidalgo County.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I have received numerous inquiries from constituents regarding comments made by Chairman Terry Canales during his press conference yesterday about the SH 68 project. While I agree with many of the points made by my friend, Chairman Canales, I want to make clear that TxDOT has been very cooperative throughout this process. A project of this magnitude requires years of planning and development. I have met with local public officials, impacted stakeholders, local TxDOT staff, and TxDOT leadership to listen to concerns and work to address them. This is an ongoing process, and it is important that the public has access to as much information as possible.

I have reviewed reports and information provided by TxDOT and have confirmed with TxDOT leadership that there will be no traffic light at the proposed intersection of US 281/IH-69 and SH 68. Instead, there will be a seamless connection that will not cause backups for commercial vehicles. Trucks headed to the airport will have a separate exit to facilitate access. As it relates to concerns about an interchange with a flyover that would exceed the FAA’s height limitations, TxDOT has recommended an underpass, which has been done in other regions of the state. Additionally, there will be no loss of funding for the SH 68 project, as it is already fully funded. According to TXDOT administration, this proposed connector at US 281/IH-69 and SH 68 is expected to meet our needs for another 50 years. To this point, Chairman Canales and I, along with other stakeholders, will be meeting with Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., and TxDOT engineers, to discuss the various options and finalize a decision based on what is best for the region.

Completing a project of this size is a lengthy process. We will continue to work with TxDOT to take care of the transportation needs of our region and deliver projects that make our roads safer for our families, improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and help grow our economy.”

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