Texas Border Business
MERCEDES, Texas – The City of Mercedes held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 21 to mark the completion of the Mile 8 North Project, led by Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner, David Fuentes and his team.
The collaborative effort between the city and the county proved successful as commuters and buses now drive smoothly through the area. The improvement project focused on Mile 8 North from FM 491 to Mile 2 East Road, consisting of approximately 10,505 total linear feet (7,347.50 feet within the City, and 3,157.50 feet within Precinct 1.)
The City and County have respective Urban County Projects which consist of Street Improvements utilizing Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG). The city was responsible for 70% of the necessary materials needed, whereas the County agreed to provide all labor, and machinery necessary to perform improvements. County through its CDBG funds, contributed a lump sum of 30%.
Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fuentes said “the improvements will allow Mile 8 N. to act as a major arterial road as growth in the area continues.” Hidalgo County not only re-constructed the road but focused on the drainage infrastructure to avoid potential flooding.
“To say Mile 8 North is an important road for Mercedes and Hidalgo County would be an understatement,” Mayor Oscar Montoya said. “The amount of traffic and safety issues that this road addresses are important because as the county grows, this is going to be a major road for commuters. The fact that we’re taking care of and investing in it means a bright future for this growing area.”
The City of Mercedes is thankful for the help of the entire Precinct 1 staff, and looks forward to future projects.
