Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – City of Brownsville representatives are in Washington, D.C., as part of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C. Fly-In, meeting with federal agencies, members of Congress and other national leaders to advocate for Brownsville’s priorities and identify opportunities to bring additional resources, partnerships and support to the community.
The delegations’ meetings are focused on strengthening relationships with federal decision-makers and gaining guidance on programs, funding opportunities and partnerships that can help advance projects and initiatives in Brownsville.
Mayor John Cowen, Jr., who is part of the delegation, said the ultimate goal of these meetings is to share City and regional priorities with federal representatives and get guidance on how these priorities may be executed with federal and state support.
The City’s federal agency meetings include discussions involving space commerce, water sustainability, aviation, maritime interests, communications and technology. Meetings include representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Space Commerce, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Federal Communications Commission.
Water and infrastructure are among the priorities being discussed. The delegation is addressing water resources, infrastructure, maritime interests and energy resources, including discussions with representatives from the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission and the Bureau of Reclamation.
The delegation is also discussing Brownsville’s role in international trade and economic development. Scheduled discussions include trade, logistics and border and customs modernization, as well as economic development, incentives and innovation.
“Our budget does not allow us to do all the things we want to do, so we have to find different ways to get resources to our community,” said Mayor Cowen. “Building these relationships and understanding how federal programs can support our local priorities is an important part of that effort.”
The City’s participation also includes meetings with members of the Texas congressional delegation. Scheduled meetings include U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. The delegation is expected to attend a keynote address from U.S. Senator John Cornyn focused on border trade as a national economic priority.
Additional discussions will address business taxes, regulation and health care access, as well as workforce development and the education pipeline. These conversations provide an opportunity to connect Brownsville’s workforce and economic development priorities with federal programs and resources.
The Washington, D.C. Fly-In led by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, is composed of representatives from local businesses and includes Valley Regional Medical Center, Bechtel Corporation, Greater Brownsville EDC, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, and the City. The annual event brings Brownsville business, civic and community leaders together to advocate for the region and strengthen relationships with federal policymakers and agencies.
Information source: The City of Brownsville
