Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres was elected today as Chair of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO).
Commissioner Torres has a proven track record delivering critical transportation projects such as the 10th Street Expansion Project and the Monte Cristo Expansion Project. As Chair, she will lead the RGVMPO in addressing the region’s growing transportation needs.
The RGVMPO was established in 2019 following the merger of the Hidalgo, Harlingen-San Benito, and Brownsville MPOs, creating one of the largest MPOs in the State of Texas. As a Metropolitan Planning Organization, the RGVMPO administers over a billion dollars in federal and state funds for transportation projects, ensuring funds are used to meet our region’s needs. The RGVMPO serves the counties of Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr, facilitating coordinated transportation planning and funding across the Rio Grande Valley.
History was also made today as Ellie Torres is the first woman to serve as Chair of the RGVMPO. Her election marks a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership in regional transportation initiatives.
“I am honored to take on this role and am dedicated to bringing practical and common-sense solutions to deliver transportation projects swiftly and cost effectively,” said Torres. “I recognize the urgent need for new transportation opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. I will ensure that every transportation dollar is spent wisely and directly benefits our roads and infrastructure. I look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence established by the prior RGVMPO Chairs while leading our efforts to create new and innovative solutions that address the Rio Grande Valley’s evolving needs,” Torres added.
The RGVMPO has been instrumental in advancing critical infrastructure projects throughout the region. Under Torres’ leadership, the organization plans to focus on building new roads to ensure safety, economic development, and quality of life.
Outgoing RGVMPO Chair, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, said: “It has been my honor to serve as Chair for the RGVMPO this last year. I am excited to see Commissioner Torres assume the position of Chair. I have witnessed Commissioner Torres’ strong leadership firsthand, and I’m confident she will excel as Chair. I look forward to seeing the impact she will make for our community.”
For more information about the RGVMPO and its initiatives, please visit https://www.rgvmpo.org or contact Michael Medina, Executive Director at (956) 682-3481.
