Toll Roads on the Border
Transportation topic of discussion between Hidalgo County, Reynosa
June 23,2006
Victoria Hirschberg
The Monitor
Copyright 2006
PHARR — Officials from Reynosa and Hidalgo County are teaming up to tackle transportation needs on both sides of the border.
In a signed memorandum of understanding, officials from the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of Reynosa and Texas Department of Transportation agreed to exchange information, provide technical assistance during project planning phases and collaborate on transportation projects.
Officials signed the agreement Thursday evening at the county planning organization’s monthly board meeting.
"We’re trying to understand and be more mindful of the aspect of planning in Reynosa," said Andrew Canon, transportation director for the planning organization. "So many people come over here for entertainment, shopping."
Reynosa Mayor Francisco Javier Garcia Cabeza de Vaca echoed the sentiment.
He said the two areas are like a large amicable community.
"It’s important to have this (agreement) and share information," Cabeza de Vaca said before those board members present unanimously approved it.
"What’s good for Mexico is good for the United States and what’s good for the United States is good for Mexico."
The agreement is valid until Dec. 31, 2007, unless an entity decides to terminate it earlier.
With discussion about possible toll roads and expanded roadways in Hidalgo County and a new loop around Reynosa, Canon said the future projects affect commerce, travel plans and commercial and visitor traffic for both communities.
"Toll roads — that has a direct impact on the people that come over from Reynosa," Canon said.
In essence, the agreement is a method to open communication lines, said Mario Jorge, local district engineer with TxDOT.
The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization has an ex-officio member from its neighboring city of Juárez, Jorge said. Even with the agreement, United States officials could not physically work or finance projects in Mexico and vice versa, he said.
"We’re still going to have those restrictions, but the communication link is open between the planning organization and (Reynosa’s) planners," Jorge said.
____
Victoria Hirschberg covers Hidalgo County government and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4466.
© 2006 The Monitor: www.themonitor.com
June 23,2006
Victoria Hirschberg
The Monitor
Copyright 2006
PHARR — Officials from Reynosa and Hidalgo County are teaming up to tackle transportation needs on both sides of the border.
In a signed memorandum of understanding, officials from the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of Reynosa and Texas Department of Transportation agreed to exchange information, provide technical assistance during project planning phases and collaborate on transportation projects.
Officials signed the agreement Thursday evening at the county planning organization’s monthly board meeting.
"We’re trying to understand and be more mindful of the aspect of planning in Reynosa," said Andrew Canon, transportation director for the planning organization. "So many people come over here for entertainment, shopping."
Reynosa Mayor Francisco Javier Garcia Cabeza de Vaca echoed the sentiment.
He said the two areas are like a large amicable community.
"It’s important to have this (agreement) and share information," Cabeza de Vaca said before those board members present unanimously approved it.
"What’s good for Mexico is good for the United States and what’s good for the United States is good for Mexico."
The agreement is valid until Dec. 31, 2007, unless an entity decides to terminate it earlier.
With discussion about possible toll roads and expanded roadways in Hidalgo County and a new loop around Reynosa, Canon said the future projects affect commerce, travel plans and commercial and visitor traffic for both communities.
"Toll roads — that has a direct impact on the people that come over from Reynosa," Canon said.
In essence, the agreement is a method to open communication lines, said Mario Jorge, local district engineer with TxDOT.
The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization has an ex-officio member from its neighboring city of Juárez, Jorge said. Even with the agreement, United States officials could not physically work or finance projects in Mexico and vice versa, he said.
"We’re still going to have those restrictions, but the communication link is open between the planning organization and (Reynosa’s) planners," Jorge said.
____
Victoria Hirschberg covers Hidalgo County government and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4466.
© 2006 The Monitor:
posted by Porkus Maximus Tex: at Friday, June 23, 2006
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