Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Pharr, Tx. October 31, 2024 – Chairman Terry Canales, a veteran legislator and Chairman of the Texas House Transportation Committee, recently held a press conference addressing an urgent infrastructure issue with far-reaching implications for Hidalgo County and South Texas. With pressing personal obligations set to limit his availability in the coming weeks, Canales used this moment to rally local officials, citizens, and regional stakeholders to support the original alignment of State Highway 68 (SH 68), a project he believes is integral to South Texas’ economic and transportation infrastructure for the next 50 to 100 years. “The SH 68 corridor is essential to Hidalgo County’s future,” Canales described it as a strategic infrastructure initiative supporting border security and is critical for regional economic growth.
Connecting South Texas’ five largest international ports of entry, the SH 68 corridor is designed to facilitate nearly 30,000 daily crossings, alleviating local traffic congestion and reinforcing the area’s role in statewide commerce. Canales has stressed the project’s potential to boost economic development by streamlining the movement of commercial traffic through the region. “The corridor relieves pressure on local roads and enhances the economic vitality of our area,” he noted.
However, recent TxDOT plans threaten to compromise this vision. Canales expressed concern over TxDOT’s decision to shift from the original alignment, proposing that SH 68 connect to FM 490 with a stoplight instead. He described this move as a potential “traffic bottleneck” that would undermine the corridor’s efficiency. “Adding a stoplight would create unnecessary delays for commercial vehicles, slowing the flow of goods and reducing the corridor’s overall effectiveness,” Canales said. The alternative alignment, he argued, introduces frequent stops that defeat the project’s purpose of creating a streamlined, free-flowing corridor for commercial traffic.
In a significant divergence of opinion, the City of Edinburg has shown support for the FM 490 alignment. Canales voiced his opposition, calling it a short-sighted view that overlooks the regional impact. “This project was never meant to serve just Edinburg; it’s a solution for the entire region,” he emphasized, urging leaders from neighboring cities and counties to join the discussion and support the original plan. He warned that the project’s long-term infrastructure goals may suffer without more stakeholder input, compromising benefits intended to extend across Hidalgo County and beyond.
At the same time, on October 31, 2024, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. issued a statement emphasizing his commitment to the original alignment, aligning his support with Canales’ vision. “I strongly support the original 2014 alignment of State Highway 68,” Garza declared, identifying it as “a key route connecting the International Bridge Trade Corridor to Interstate 69C.” Garza further noted that this alignment is crucial for the growth of the South Texas International Airport, a major regional trade hub. Mayor Garza’s statement highlighted his concerns about TxDOT’s recent proposal, asserting that “such changes could jeopardize both Edinburg’s economic progress and the broader region’s future development.”
Canales extended his criticism of TxDOT beyond their proposed alignment changes, citing the agency’s lack of communication with South Texas officials. “Repeatedly, TxDOT has failed to engage in meaningful discussions with regional leaders,” Canales lamented, adding that the agency’s unresponsiveness reflects an indifference or ineptitude that threatens to stall the project. In response to this perceived inaction, Canales formally announced his intention to request TxDOT’s executive director’s resignation. “New leadership is needed to prioritize our state and regional infrastructure needs effectively,” he stated.
Despite these setbacks, Canales has made substantial strides in securing support and funding for the project, including $150 million from the state. Governor Abbott recognized the corridor’s importance to border security and regional economic stability. Canales emphasized the cost of potential delays, stating that further deviation from the original alignment could result in millions of dollars in lost economic opportunities and extend completion timelines by up to two years.
With upcoming family commitments, Chairman Canales appealed to the community to maintain momentum on the project in his absence. He encouraged stakeholders to protect the progress achieved thus far and advocate for the original alignment. “This is a regional project, not just Edinburg’s or mine—it belongs to all of us,” Canales insisted. He urged elected leaders to voice their support, underscoring that the SH 68 project could redefine the region’s economic landscape for generations to come.
Mayor Garza echoed this sentiment in his statement, calling for collaboration with TxDOT and regional stakeholders to uphold the original vision of SH 68. “This project is critical for maximizing the airport’s potential and strengthening the Rio Grande Valley’s role in international trade,” Garza emphasized, reinforcing that his priority is the prosperity of Edinburg and the surrounding communities.
Chairman Canales’ call to action is a decisive appeal for South Texas communities to safeguard their infrastructure investment. He warned that TxDOT’s proposed changes could undercut years of planning, funding, and regional growth opportunities. “Let’s not lose sight of what this project can achieve,” he urged, advocating for a unified response to protect the corridor’s intended benefits. As the SH 68 project reaches a pivotal moment, Canales’ message resonates as a reminder of the lasting impact infrastructure decisions will have on South Texas’ economy and future.
2022-2023 North Bound International Bridge Crossings a month
| INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE | YEAR: 2022-2023 | NORTH BOUND CROSSINGS A MONTH |
| PHARR | 107,000 | |
| VETERANS | 140,000 | |
| GATEWAY | 80,460 | |
| DONNA | 65,500 | |
| MCALLEN HIDALGO | 244,470 | |
| ANZALDUAS | 127,980 | |
| PROGRESO | 41,430 | |
| ROMA | 57,150 | |
| TOTAL: | 863,990 | |
| DAILY NORTH BOUND CROSSINGS A MONTH: | 28,766 | |
Chairman Terry Canales presented a chart illustrating the high monthly northbound traffic volume for the 2022-2023 period at Hidalgo County’s five international bridges. The data highlights significant traffic counts: Pharr with 107,000 crossings, Donna at 65,500, McAllen/Hidalgo with 244,470, Anzalduas at 127,980, and Progreso at 41,430. These figures are evidence of the vital role of these bridges in supporting regional commerce and the need for efficient infrastructure to manage heavy cross-border traffic.
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