Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) proudly announces the approval of eight transformative projects. The BCIC Board, with final approval by the City Commission on May 21, 2024, has approved eight new projects totaling $2,402,259. This reflects the BCIC’s commitment to enhancing the vibrant Brownsville community’s quality of life and economic prosperity.
Over the past year, BCIC has made significant progress in fulfilling its mission to improve the quality of life for Brownsville residents. Since October 2023, the BCIC Board has approved the allocation of $5,527,977 towards 16 quality of life projects to begin this year. This amount represents 76% of the $7,293,855 sales tax collected in FY 2023.
Cori Peña, BCIC’s President & CEO, spoke about the recent accomplishment: “We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year. We are investing in our community, encouraging growth, and paving the way for our community to be happy and live a prosperous future. Together, we are making Brownsville a better place to live, work, play, and thrive.”
Recently Approved Quality of Life projects:
- Adapted Sports League for Children with Special Needs – Down by the Border – $50,000: This project involves the creation of an adapted sports league for children with special needs. The aim is to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for physical activity and social engagement. The league will offer activities such as baseball, basketball, and more.”
- Gather at the Gardens – Brownsville Wellness Coalition – $338,940: This project aims to promote urban farming and community gardens, fostering healthy food habits and lifestyles.
- Outdoor Learning Garden Phase 2 – Children’s Museum of Brownsville – $51,000: Funding for the installation of a fence to expand the existing outdoor learning garden.
- Amelia Earhart Climber Exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville – $400,000: This funding is for a custom-designed climber structure with themed interactive elements that encourage physical activity, STEM education, and historical awareness. It has been approved to offer enriching educational experiences for the youth.
- Online Streaming for Brownsville’s Local Radio Station KXIQ 105.1 – Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts – $115,650: This funding will be used to upgrade the local radio station’s broadcasting abilities by purchasing new equipment for KXIQ.
- Expansion of Therapy Services at Moody Clinic – $432,425: This funding is for infrastructure improvements at the site to allow for the expansion of services for 250+ special needs children on a waiting list who require speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. It will also allow the organization to hire additional staff to meet the increase in services.
- High Ropes Adventure Attraction at IDEA Public Schools – Camp RIO – $593,315: The funding will be used for the High Ropes Adventure, the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, to offer residents and visitors a unique outdoor educational experience at Camp RIO.
- “Brownsville on the Move Exhibit” – Brownsville Historical Association – $420,929: $420,929 has been allocated for the purchase and installation of a new interactive children’s exhibit for the Simon Celaya Gallery as part of the “Brownsville on the Move – A New Vision for the Old City Cemetery” project.”
Additional Projects Approved for FY 2024
In addition to the recently approved projects, BCIC also recently announced a $2.9M investment in several other significant quality of life initiatives. The Downtown Brownsville Master Plan will serve as a visionary blueprint for economic growth and cultural exchange in the Historic Downtown area. The Brownsville Parks Master Plan establishes guidelines for public space uses and future park developments. The Musco Lights Replacement Program will retrofit existing lights with LED technology at Oliveira Park and Gonzalez Park. The Tiny Forest Initiative aims to enhance biodiversity alongside the West Rail Trail by planting 150 plants and trees. The construction of new park restrooms will provide modern, accessible facilities at Gonzalez Park. Furthermore, BCIC is committed to the redevelopment of La Posada Park in FY 2025, promising to make it a staple of leisure and recreation.
Moving forward
BCIC has placed a strong emphasis on community engagement by actively seeking input from residents. This collaborative approach has been crucial in recent community input initiatives aimed at developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the next decade. Moving forward, BCIC remains committed to transparency, community involvement, and the successful implementation of projects that benefit all Brownsville residents. An open invitation is always extended to participate in upcoming board meetings and events in order to continue shaping the future of the city.
