Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Transportation Commission, the five-member governing body of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), approved the 2024 Uniform Transportation Program (UTP), scheduling a historic $100 billion for transportation projects over the next 10 years, including approximately $3.6 billion to be allocated to the Pharr TxDOT District. The Pharr District includes the following counties: Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, Willacy, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy.
The 2024 UTP allocates $150 million to support the construction of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC) project in Hidalgo County. The IBTC is a proposed non-tolled, four-lane divided roadway that would provide direct interstate access for several international ports of entry and expedite the movement of goods and freight through the border region. The project is an important component of the long-term infrastructure plan for the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), and it will serve a critical role in diverting commercial truck traffic from local neighborhoods onto the state highway system. This project will also streamline trade across our region and is a major investment in economic development and trade opportunities that will yield dividends for the entire State of Texas.
Chairman Canales provided the following statement:
I am proud to have played a role in securing this historic 100-billion-dollar investment in our state’s infrastructure. I would like to thank Transportation Commission Chairman Bruce Bugg and the Transportation Commission, Governor Greg Abbott, Speaker Dade Phelan, and Senate Transportation Chairman Robert Nichols for their partnership in getting us to this point. Together, we are working to ensure that Texas remains the premier destination for people and businesses. I would also like to applaud the RGV MPO and our local elected officials for their advocacy for the IBTC Corridor which is a major step in making the Rio Grande Valley an economic juggernaut. This funding is proof that our state’s leaders recognize the economic significance of the RGV to the entire state of Texas, and the overall level of South Texas funding in this UTP reflects our region’s growing importance.
Texas law requires TxDOT to create a statewide infrastructure program each year to forecast transportation infrastructure developments across the state. This program is referred to as the UTP. The 2024 UTP is viewable on the TxDOT website.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Rep. Canales represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr and Weslaco. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.
