Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
WESLACO, Texas — The City of Weslaco will receive $26 million in state funding to expand and modernize the Mid-Valley Airport, an announcement celebrated Tuesday afternoon at the Payne Aviation Hangar. The event drew state officials, local leaders, and community representatives, who described it as a milestone moment for Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley.
Governor Greg Abbott, joined by Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, State Senators Adam Hinojosa and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez, unveiled the appropriations, which include $10 million for a runway extension, $8 million for water and drainage improvements, and $8 million for emergency and first responder facilities.
“The growing Rio Grande Valley needs an expanded Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport,” Abbott said. “Part of it is $10 million for a major runway extension at the airport that will allow larger aircraft to land here. Second, $8 million for the city of Weslaco for water and drainage improvements to accommodate the expanded airport. And third, emergency and first responder facilities—a critical component for this airport and for the entire region.”
Mayor Adrian Gonzalez called the funding a regional victory. “This is a win, not just for the city of Weslaco, but for the region and for the Rio Grande Valley,” he said. “If we win, they win. And when they win, we win. This whole region wins.”
Abbott praised the bipartisan effort of Rio Grande Valley legislators who worked to bring the funding package forward. He credited Senators Adam and Chuy Hinojosa, along with Representative Martinez, for their advocacy. “We got people in this room who are leaders of this community, people who are making this community better day by day,” Abbott said. “Because of everything you all have been doing, it adds up to successful moments like about what we are going to have right now.”
Senator Adam Hinojosa, representing District 27, emphasized the teamwork behind the appropriation. “I want all of you here in Weslaco to know that this is a bipartisan collaborative effort,” he said. “What was delivered, governor, was not $8 million to expand the runway. It was $10 million that we brought to the table.”
Senator Chuy Hinojosa, District 20, highlighted the governor’s role in approving the funding. “For the $18 million for the airport and $8 million for infrastructure, he has the final say because he can veto,” he said. “But he didn’t do that because he’s committed to help the Valley grow.”
Representative Martinez reflected on the airport’s personal significance. “I’ve always said that Mid-Valley Airport is a hidden gem,” he said, recalling his first flight there as a child. He stressed its strategic importance for border security, disaster response, and economic growth. “Today marks a milestone not only for Weslaco, not only for the Mid-Valley, but for the Rio Grande Valley.”
The event also featured ceremonial elements, including a presentation of colors by the Weslaco Police and Fire Department Joint Honor Guard, as well as pledges led by the Weslaco Royal Court. Barbara Jean Garza, President and CEO of the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees and recognized regional officials in attendance.
Garza highlighted the impact of the announcement, noting, “When something great happens in our community right here in Weslaco, the impact is not just to our city, but it’s an impact to the Mid-Valley and an impact to the region as a whole.”
In recognition of his support, Mayor Gonzalez presented Governor Abbott with the Key to the City of Weslaco. The event concluded with acknowledgments of the Mid-Valley Airport Advisory Committee and the Weslaco Chamber Red Coat Ambassadors.
As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow—its population expected to double by 2045—Abbott said the airport expansion will position Weslaco to play a key role in the region’s economic future. “Airports are vital to a community, vital to economic growth,” he said. “Funding to expand this airport is now in place.”
Read the Governor’s proclamations below:
