Texas Border Business
After nearly two decades of advocating and advancing the project by Cameron County and surrounding communities, we are honored the Texas Transportation Commission considered and approved a Minute Order whereby the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway project will become a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) On-System project. An On-System designation means the roadway project will be on the State Highway System and maintained by TxDOT. This designation is crucial for the advancement of the project and vital economic development. It also opens the possibility for various types of project funding to be utilized in the acceleration of its development and eventual construction.
Today’s action highlights the strength of our partnership with TxDOT to leverage local dollars to accelerate regionally significant infrastructure projects and ensures that TxDOT will play a significant role in developing the various phases of the project once the project reaches environmental clearance. TxDOT is the reviewing agency for the environmental document being prepared by the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) that is locally-funded via a partnership with Cameron County, South Padre Island, and the CCRMA.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. stated, “I want to personally thank Governor Abbott, TxDOT Chairman Bruce Bugg, and the Members of the Transportation Commission along with TxDOT Administration, our own Pharr District Office, and the entire Rio Grande Valley delegation in Austin for supporting the transition of the SPI 2nd Causeway project onto a TxDOT On-System project.”
Trevino further stated, “This project is vital for our region and will greatly assist with the flow of traffic, evacuation process, promote public safety, and maintain continuity of the Texas State Highway System. The project’s positive economic impact will transform the region and be felt statewide. The fact that TxDOT has brought this project On-System demonstrates the importance and significance of the project to the State of Texas.”
Rio Grande Valley MPO Chairman David Fuentes stated, “The South Padre Island 2nd Causeway project is a much-needed project that will provide safety and economic benefits to the region and the entire state.”
“This important action is a critical first step in the planning and construction of the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway that will help improve safety and bolster economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “By adding this location to the state highway system, the State of Texas will help this roadway project receive the crucial environmental clearance to move forward. I thank the Texas Transportation Commission for their work collaborating with local officials to ensure this vital project is completed so Texans and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
“The commission action today was an important first step for the planning, development, and construction of the Second Causeway project,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade. “Like other projects around the state, if the Second Causeway project moves forward after the environmental review process it will require a significant partnership between TxDOT and local entities, including the CCRMA and the Rio Grande Valley MPO. Local partners will need to participate in providing significant local funding along with TxDOT funding to fund this project.”
