“The opening of the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park marks an exciting new landscape for Texans to explore,” said Governor Greg Abbott. Image courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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AUSTIN — Governor Abbott announced that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is opening the gates to a new state park in North Texas. This is the first state park to open in North Texas in more than 24 years. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, offers Texans 4,871 acres of former ranch land to hike, bike, fish, and explore.
“The opening of the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park marks an exciting new landscape for Texans to explore,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This state park will expand outdoor opportunities for families across our state and showcase the natural beauty that makes Texas, Texas. With the addition of this state park, generations of Texans will be able to enjoy over 4,000 acres of natural landscape for years to come.”
“This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas,” said director of Texas State Parks Rodney Franklin. “Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park.”
Governor Abbott is passionate about expanding public access to land, and TPWD is acquiring and opening land to the public at a historic pace.
Future state parks that will be available for Texans to enjoy:
Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area – estimated 2026
Post Oak Ridge State Park – estimated 2029
Bear Creek State Park – estimated 2029
Honey Creek State Natural Area – estimated 2029
Powderhorn State Parks and Wildlife Management Area – estimated 2029
Chinati Mountains State Natural Area – estimated 2032
Davis Hill State Park – estimated 2034
A soft opening of the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park allows early access to visitors ahead of the grand opening. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park offers visitors a chance to escape from the bustling pace of the city into the juniper-topped hillsides and hardwood bottomlands of the Cross Timbers.
For more information about Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, including a schedule of events, park and trail maps, visit the park’s page on the TPWD website.
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today announced an expansion by Sika Corporation in Sealy as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. Sika will expand its manufacturing operations of PVC single-ply commercial roofing membranes in Austin County. The project represents more than $90 million in capital investment and will create 60 jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $519,000 and a $7,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus have also been extended to Sika.
“Texas is where the future of manufacturing is being built,” said Governor Abbott. “This expansion by Sika will create more good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in the Gulf Coast region. Texas offers cost-effective advantages for supply chain providers and easy access to expanded markets across the country. I congratulate Sika on deepening their relationship with the community of Sealy as we work together to build an even stronger Texas for decades to come.”
Sika’s capital investment in Texas supports increasing demand for commercial roofing materials and positions the company closer to major strategic metropolitan markets across the western and southern United States.
“This new investment into our roofing membrane manufacturing and supply chain footprint is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our global leadership position in commercial roofing,” said Sika Corporation USA President and CEO Jim Walther. “This strategic decision strengthens Sika’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable construction solutions to our valued customers.”
“For almost 10 years now, Sika has been a solid business partner with the City of Sealy and the local school district,” said Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst. “This expansion will only further solidify their dedication to supporting the local economy in the long term and provide stable employment opportunities for local residents.”
“The City of Sealy and its council and leadership team strive for economic development excellence in partnering with our local Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Sealy Independent School District (ISD), Austin County, and the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office to recruit and retain the businesses and industry that not only bring in jobs but jobs that bring a quality of life feature for the employees and our local residents,” said Sealy Mayor Carolyn Cerny Bilski. “Sika has proven to be such a partner with its original development in 2016 and now in its more than $90 million expansion in 2026. I expect a continued successful partnership for our state, county, and certainly our city and school district; I look forward to other opportunities to work with the State on such endeavors.”
“We are excited for the additional facility with a new product line at the Sika facility,” said Austin County Judge Tim Lapham. “Sika has proven a positive impact on the community. We look forward to the additional employment this new opportunity will provide.”
“Sika’s investment of more than $90 million to expand their presence demonstrates the success of the existing corporate partnership in Sealy,” said Sealy Economic Development & Tourism Executive Director Bill Atkinson. “Through coordinated efforts between the State of Texas, Austin County, the City of Sealy, Sealy EDC, and Sealy ISD, we aligned workforce, infrastructure, and incentives to support long-term investment and quality job creation.”
TEF is a performance-based grant that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.
“President Trump delivered a vision for our nation that prioritizes national security, safer communities, and a flourishing economy.” — Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address:
“President Trump’s message to the nation tonight was unmistakable: in its 250th year, America is once again the world’s premier superpower. Our nation is strong, prosperous, and respected because we have, under President Trump’s leadership, proudly returned to the common-sense principles on which our country not only thrives, but which hardworking Americans firmly expect.
“President Trump delivered a vision for our nation that prioritizes national security, safer communities, and a flourishing economy. Since his return to office in 2025, President Trump has kept his promises, standing firm against the woke, leftist ideologies that undermine law enforcement, prioritize illegal immigrants, fuel inflation, drain Americans’ pocketbooks, and deteriorate the integrity of fair competition by allowing boys in girls’ sports.
“Here in the great state of Texas, we unapologetically uphold the values that make Texas, Texas. We are conducting the most robust border security operation of any state in U.S. history, we are banning foreign adversaries from buying Texas land, we are empowering Texas families to control their child’s academic success, and we are fostering economic prosperity for the men and women who power Texas.
“I thank President Trump for his leadership and look forward to welcoming him to Texas this Friday — the final Friday of early voting for the 2026 Texas Primary Election
CBP Black Hawk aircrew assisted with rescue. Due to terrain, ground evacuation wasn’t feasible. USCBP image
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EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, responded to a request for urgent aviation assistance from the El Paso Police Department/El Paso Fire Department Combined Search and Rescue team during a challenging rescue mission in Franklin Mountains State Park. At 9:45 a.m. on Feb. 19, COMSAR personnel advised the AMO El Paso Air Branch that a 21-year-old male hiker had fallen approximately 150 feet from the Mammoth Rock Trail, sustaining significant injuries including an apparent open fracture to one knee and was non-mobile.
Due to the remote and rugged terrain, ground evacuation was not feasible within a safe or reasonable timeframe. COMSAR personnel were on scene providing emergency medical care and requested aerial extraction. The EPAB launched a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and aircrew to assist with the operation. Upon arrival, the aircrew established communication with ground rescue personnel and executed a precision hover, successfully conducting a 250-foot hoist operation. The aircrew safely extracted the patient and accompanying COMSAR personnel from the mountainside.
Given the severity of the patient’s injuries and the operational environment, the patient and COMSAR personnel were immediately transported to a Level I trauma center for advanced medical care.
Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is proud to partner with local agencies, offering critical aviation resources in emergency situations. This successful rescue highlights the dedication and professionalism of all personnel involved.
Michael P. Cadenazzi Jr., assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, Feb. 24, 2026. Photo Credit: DOW screenshot
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By David Vergun, Pentagon News / Us Department of War
Securing a resilient supply chain for critical minerals is fundamental to national security and the economy, said Michael P. Cadenazzi Jr., assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, who testified today at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington.
He noted that there is a growing demand for U.S. capabilities from allies and partners, such as fifth-generation aircraft, precision-guided munitions, satellite constellations and next-generation naval vessels. Cadenazzi said those capabilities all depend on a reliable supply of rare earth elements, including gallium antimony and germanium, as well as dozens of others.
An F-35 Lightning II flies over Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Oct. 21, 2023. The F-35 aircraft weapon system contains a substantial amount of rare earth permanent magnets. Photo Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Saisha Cornett via US DOW
“For decades, we have outsourced and offshored mining and processing, creating a strategic vulnerability of the highest order. Today, our primary strategic competitor, China, controls the global supply chain for numerous critical minerals,” he said.
On heavy rare earths alone, China controls 95% of global output, with the United States importing almost 100% of what it uses, 90% of that coming from China.
“This control provides Beijing with the ability to weaponize these supply chains, threatening to disrupt our defense industrial base and compromise military readiness in a crisis; this is not a theoretical risk. It is a clear and present danger to our national security,” Cadenazzi said.
To address this vulnerability, the War Department developed a comprehensive, multiyear strategy designed to create a secure, resilient and sustainable supply chain ecosystem, Cadenazzi said.
Metal shavings stand vertically atop a rare earth magnet. Photo Credit: C. Todd Lopez, DOW
Included in that approach is a commitment to reshore and onshore the production of critical minerals. Congress provided funding to do this, he said, utilizing the Defense Production Act.
Cadenazzi said his office partners with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Capital to offer loans, loan guarantees and debt financing options to bring mineral supply chains to friendly shores.
“Through these tools, we are sending a clear and sustained demand signal to the industrial base. We are working across the entire value chain, from mine to front line, to build our resilience,” he said.
Although DOW prioritizes domestic production, Cadenazzi said no single nation can achieve complete self-sufficiency. Therefore, the supply chain includes allies and America’s closest partners.
The department is also aggressively investing in research and development to mitigate demand for the most heavily contested minerals.
“Our scientists at [the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] and other service research labs are pioneering the development of next-generation materials and novel manufacturing techniques that can reduce or eliminate the need for certain rare earths and other critical inputs,” Cadenazzi said.
He noted that other DOW strategies include funding the development of advanced recycling technologies to recover rare earth from systems and materials being retired, and modernizing the national defense stockpile to ensure it serves as an effective buffer against near-term supply chain shocks.
“We are conducting a rigorous, data-driven analysis of our strategic requirements for 21st-century contested environments and [we] are taking action to acquire materials that face the most acute supply chain risks,” Cadenazzi said.
From layoff to leadership, South Texas College alumnus Enrique Jorge said his journey to a new career through STC is a story about the power of resilience and the impact of education in transforming setbacks into steppingstones. More than a decade later, Jorge said he is now pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with aspirations for leadership. STC image
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By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Computer Information Technology (CIT) alumnus Enrique Jorge recalls how being at a crossroads in life at a young age enabled him to turn a major setback into a brand-new opportunity.
After being laid off from his previous job as an emergency medical services dispatcher in 2012, Jorge, 24 at the time, said he was unsure of what came next.
But from layoff to leadership, Jorge’s journey to a new career through STC is a story about the power of resilience and the impact of education in transforming setbacks into steppingstones.
More than a decade later, Jorge said he is now pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) with aspirations for a role in leadership.
“I was pretty much forced to rethink everything,” Jorge said after his first career ended. “Thankfully technology has always been my passion. It came natural to me.”
The turning point led him to enroll at STC, where he began pursuing a certificate as a computer support specialist. After graduating in 2013, Jorge said he became the first in his family to channel what had long been an informal role as the “tech guy” everyone relied on.
Growing up, Jorge was the go-to support system for his mother, a longtime educator navigating the transition from paper gradebooks to digital platforms.
“When technology started becoming more integrated in education, I was her on-demand IT specialist at home,” Jorge said. “I helped her log into grading systems, formatting emails, fixing internet issues. I was always helping.”
After completing his certificate from STC, Jorge said he paused before pursuing his associate degree, citing difficulties in math as a challenge many students relate to. Years later, when STC adjusted requirements within its Computer and Information Technologies program, he seized the chance to finish what he started.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Technology (BAT-CIT) in 2020.
By then, Jorge said he was already building his career. He began working at UTRGV in 2016 as a Technology Support Specialist I and then promoted to Specialist II in 2019. He then moved into a supervisory role in 2023 with IT Service Management. He said he recently celebrated his 10th anniversary working for the university.
He credits STC faculty, particularly Computer and Advanced Technology faculty member George Garcia for encouraging him to continue advancing. He also credits the support of his wife Rosalva, who motivated him to strive for greatness in everything he strived for.
“I am thankful for a support system that always reminded me to never settle,” Jorge said. “Everyone around me, from faculty at STC to family members, have always pushed me to pursue more and continue on this extraordinary educational journey.”
The encouragement stuck.
Jorge completed an accelerated master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 2023 at UTRGV, finishing in nine months as part of a university -supported cohort. The experience prepared him for leadership including understanding concepts in supervision, coaching, financial management and organizational strategy.
“At some point, I realized I didn’t just want to be a worker,” said Jorge, who is now pursuing his Ph.D. “I wanted to inspire change and do more for the departments I one day hope to lead.”
Looking back over the last 13 years, Jorge said the growth he has accomplished feels surreal. STC provided both an affordable pathway and gave him the confidence to move forward during a vulnerable time.
“My life has changed dramatically,” he said. “I’m always full speed ahead. Remembering where I came from, I can say with certainty that change is difficult…but if you never change, you are never going to get where you want to be. Don’t settle. Overachieve.”
Víctor D. Treviño and his wife, Rosa Márquez de Treviño, joined the Alpha Dogs—among the many teams in attendance—and their coach at the grand opening of the Buena Vista Sports Complex in Laredo, marking a major investment in youth sports, recreation, and economic growth for the community. Courtesy Image City of Laredo, Texas.
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The City of Laredo has officially opened the Buena Vista Sports Complex, a project city leaders describe as a major investment in recreation, youth development, and economic activity.
Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño called the facility a milestone for the community. “It means something significant for not only South Laredo but for the whole city,” Treviño said. “This signifies that Laredo moving forward, Laredo is making big strides, and this will be beneficial for the economy, for the quality of life, for businesses, and the overall youth because we’re interested in our youth.”
Watch the video of The Buena Vista Sports Complex from the city of Laredo Below:
Treviño said the complex will allow local athletes to host tournaments with teams from outside the city and state. “This field represents what Laredo’s like and what we strive for our youth,” he said, adding that sports provide “discipline for the body” and “discipline for the mind” while helping guide young residents in a positive direction.
Jose A. Valdez Jr., Assistant City Manager. Courtesy Image City of Laredo, Texas.
Assistant City Manager Jose A. Valdez Jr. said the complex grew from an idea discussed in the early 2000s. “This was a project and an idea that’s been in the works since I used to be a council member,” Valdez said, noting that later city councils “really pushed the idea of doing it.” He credited coordination among departments and strong community support for moving the project forward. “We all have to work together,” he said.
Valdez described the facility as “an economic driver for the community,” expected to attract visitors and generate revenue for local businesses. A land donation from the Valdez and Ramos families helped make the project possible, while the county provided road access.
Gregory “Greg” Lasage, Superintendent. Courtesy Image City of Laredo, Texas.
The multi-purpose complex is designed to host baseball, softball, and soccer. Superintendent Gregory “Greg” Lasage said the venue can accommodate a wide range of events. “The opportunities out here are amazing,” Lasage said. “There are so many different events we can host in this venue.”
Demand has already been strong. “Right now, we have all but two weekends committed through 2026,” Lasage said. Flexible field configurations allow multiple games to be played simultaneously, and staff will focus on delivering “a safe and high-quality experience.”
Valdez said public input helped bring the project to life. “The community spoke out and said, ‘We also want it.’ It’s not just the council members’ dream,” he said.
The ribbon cutting carries additional meaning following the passing of Parks Director Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez Jr., who strongly supported the project. The city council named one of the championship fields in his honor.
Treviño described the complex as long overdue and emphasized its purpose for residents. “This is for you to enjoy. This is for youth to thrive. This is for us to enjoy what the city of Laredo provides,” he said.
Laredo: Laredo is a U.S. border city with an estimated population of 255,000 and a territory of 107 square miles, with an average age of 28 years. Located at mile 1 of Interstate 35, the city is accessible by road, air, or bus, offering excellent connectivity. The city is home to the most important land port on the border, Port Laredo, which handles more than USD 339 billion in annual trade. The logistics industry, retail shopping, education, and health services constitute the foundation of its economy. For more information, visit: https://www.visitlaredo.com/ or download the Visit Laredo TX APP available for iOS and Android.
At the conclusion of his State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump announced that Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams were both medal recipients. Photos By Department of War @DeptofWar, via X.
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By C. Todd Lopez / US Department of War
In the nation’s capital, two heroic Americans were honored with the country’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
At the conclusion of his State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump announced that Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams were both medal recipients.
Slover, still on active duty, earned the medal for actions last month in Venezuela, while Williams — now 100 years old — received the medal for actions during the Korean War in 1952.
In early January, Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, following a successful overnight joint U.S. military mission in Venezuela’s capital of Caracas.
Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover Screengrab from State of the Union video, by The White House @WhiteHouse, via X.
Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, were captured by U.S. military forces during that raid, and the two are facing criminal court proceedings tied to a 2020 indictment from the Justice Department on multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Slover was part of the military effort to capture Maduro during that raid Jan. 2, Trump said. He was responsible for planning a helicopter mission involving a CH-47 Chinook.
Navy Capt. Royce Williams. Screengrab from State of the Union video, by The White House @WhiteHouse, via X.
“Slover planned a mission and was the flight lead in the cockpit of the first helicopter,” Trump said. “Eric steered the Chinook under the cover of night and descended swiftly upon Maduro’s heavily protected military fortress.”
The area, Trump said, was heavily guarded by thousands of soldiers.
“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip — one bullet after another,” Trump said. “He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”
Despite those injuries, Trump said, Slover pressed on to deliver commandos to the drop zone, where the mission could be carried out.
“[Delivering] the many commandos who would capture and detain Maduro was the only thing Eric was thinking about then,” the president said.
“Even as he was gushing blood … Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat — turn the helicopter around so the gunners could take care of business — saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash, deep in enemy territory.”
After safely landing the helicopter in the right location so the mission could continue, Eric told his copilot, also wounded, to take over.
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain,” Trump added.
During the State of the Union address, Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, put the medal around Slover’s neck.
The president said there would be a separate event, at the White House, where he would present the medal to Slover.
Nearly 75 years in the making, retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams was also awarded the Medal of Honor. Williams served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the president said. His combat actions in Korea earned him the Medal of Honor.
“In the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was in the dog fight of a lifetime — a legendary dog fight,” Trump said. “Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war. And despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others — vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt.”
For over 50 years, the president said, that mission had been kept secret — Williams didn’t even tell his wife.
“But the legend grew and grew,” Trump said. “But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening.”
First Lady Melania Trump placed the Medal of Honor around Williams’ neck.
The president also honored other military heroes during the address. Among those were Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer, who was awarded the Legion of Merit for his rescue efforts during a flood last year in central Texas. Ruskan is credited with saving more than 160 lives.
Additionally, two National Guardsmen were awarded Purple Hearts. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were shot while on patrol in Washington, Nov. 26, 2025.
Beckstrom died from her injuries just a day later. She was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, with her parents accepting the medal on her behalf. Wolfe was severely injured but has since recovered. He was present at the Capitol to accept the award.
American Golden Age
This year, the United States will mark 250 years as a nation, and Trump said the United States is stronger than it has ever been.
“Members of Congress and my fellow Americans, our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” he said. “Less than five months from now, our country will celebrate an epic milestone in American history: the 250th anniversary of our glorious American independence.”
On July 4, Trump said, the United States will mark two and a half centuries of liberty, triumph, progress and freedom, Trump said, adding the best is yet to come.
“You’ve seen nothing yet,” he added. “We’re going to do better and better and better — this is the golden age of America.”
The overall education level of Americans is rising according to new data from the US Census Bureau, and Texas has seen some encouraging gains. While the state still has some catching up to do, the situation has improved notably over the past decade. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
The overall education level of Americans is rising according to new data from the US Census Bureau, and Texas has seen some encouraging gains. While the state still has some catching up to do, the situation has improved notably over the past decade.
The most recent information indicates that, across the nation, about 89.9% of adults aged 25 or older have graduated from high school, with 36.8% attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2019, these percentages were 88.6% and 33.1%, respectively, compared to 86.9% and 30.1% in 2014. In other words, over the past decade, the United States has seen an increase of three percentage points in the proportion of the population finishing high school, while degree-holders grew by 6.7 percentage points.
Texas has been coming from behind, but the Lone Star State is making up ground. As of 2024, 86.7% of people in the state have at least a high school diploma, and 35.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2019, the percentages were 84.6% and 30.8%, and in 2014 they were 82.2% and 27.8%. The improvement over the decade was, thus, 4.5 percentage points in the proportion of high school graduates and 7.4 percentage points for those with bachelor’s degrees. Much of this improvement stems from young professionals moving to the state in response to perceived economic opportunities.
On both a national and state level, females are more likely than males to finish high school and to obtain a degree; 38.3% of females 25+ have completed a bachelor’s or higher, compared to 35.4% of males. People in younger age ranges are more likely to have higher educational attainment, and there is significant variation across racial/ethnic groups.
Historically, unemployment rates and lifetime income have been related to educational attainment. The most recent data indicate that the unemployment rate for people 25 or older without a high school diploma is 5.2%, compared to 4.5% for those who have finished high school and 2.9% for people with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Median income also increases substantially with education level, from about $32,500 for those who have not finished high school to $40,700 with a high school diploma to $70,500 with a bachelor’s degree.
Clearly, there are many paths to financial success and rewarding work. For example, an associate’s degree or effective technical training can open the door to many in-demand occupations such as skilled trades and health care professions. Moreover, the magnitude of the changes AI will bring to the workforce remains unclear and should be considered (a topic for another day). However, for the foreseeable future, improving education levels across Texas and the nation can enhance personal financial options and potential economic growth. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
Beginning Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8 a.m., the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency (CSA) will once again offer residents the option to apply for utility assistance online through its website, hidalgocsa.org. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
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EDINBURG, Texas – Beginning Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8 a.m., the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency (CSA) will once again offer residents the option to apply for utility assistance online through its website, hidalgocsa.org. The online portal supports the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for residents who may face challenges applying in person.
The online application portal will accept up to 400 applications per month. Once the monthly limit is reached, it will automatically close and reopen on the first day of the following month at 8 a.m.
Courtesy image
To qualify for utility assistance, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including income thresholds and proof of residency. These guidelines ensure the program benefits households most in need.
The online system is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure the equitable distribution of funds provided through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). By allowing clients to apply online, the agency aims to improve access to services while responsibly managing limited federal funding. This approach helps ensure assistance remains available throughout the year so the Community Service Agency can continue serving households without interruption.
“The launch of our online application portal reflects our commitment to making essentialservices more accessible and convenient for the residents we serve. This initiative will help streamline the application process and improve the overall experience,” said Executive Director Jaime R. Longoria.
For more information on eligibility criteria or the application process, please contact the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency at (956) 383 – 6240 or visit their website at hidalgocsa.org.
