Current City Projects

Pharr Natatorium

The City of Pharr, in partnership with UTRGV and PSJA ISD, have come together to build a historic natatorium facility that will assist students in expanding their ability to participate in athletic programs and sport medicine. The aquatics center will be located on the northwest corner of Sioux Road and U.S. 281 and will feature a 50 meter competition pool, a dive pool with springboards and platforms, and spectator seating.

UTRGV plans to construct a sports medicine institute adjacent to the new facility in Pharr. The new building will give medical students the opportunity to practice, learn and work with the community to provide sports medicine therapy and care.

Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

After years of negotiation, the three South Texas MPOs, which are responsible for administering transportation planning in urbanized areas across Texas, have agreed to merge to increase the ability to compete for transit funding such as major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

The merger would allow cities to fight for more federal funding that MPOs receive through departments of transportation. Our Mayor and Hidalgo County MPO Chairman, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, was at the forefront of these negotiations and worked diligently to make sure cities in the RGV came together to show unity and the need to work as a cohesive group. By unifying all three MPOs, the RGV will now fight together as one to better serve the needs of our region. According to Mayor Dr. Hernandez, 80% of MPO funds are distributed to the MPO’s for the areas of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio due to their population size. Now, with a combined population of 1.5 million in the region, the RGV MPO will be able to receive a portion of that 80%.

Pharr Interchange Project

The Rio Grande Valley has experienced exponential growth, and the result of this growth has led elected officials to analyze and assess the importance of expanding the I-2/I-69C Interchange – or better known as, the Pharr Interchange.

On August 30, 2019, the Texas Transportation Commission announced that they are set to move forward with the expansion of I-2/I-69C in Hidalgo County, a development projected to cost $320 million. Plans for construction are set to begin in 2020 and is expected to be completed by the year 2023. This project would decrease congestion, enhance system connectivity, optimize ramp and interchange operations, reduce travel time, and improve mobility. The planned improvements will provide approximately 7.8 miles of non-tolled lanes alone US 83 from west of 2nd Street to east of S. Stewart Rd., and US281 from Nolana Loop to I-2 in McAllen, Pharr, and San Juan. It will also include full reconstruction of the Interchange to two-lane direct connectors in all four directions.

Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, has emphasized the importance of the Pharr Interchange Project in recent months.

“The Rio Grande Valley continues to grow at an astronomical rate. We have especially felt this growth in Hidalgo County, where we expect to hit a population of over 1 million before the 2020 census – and more than likely, we already have,” Hernández said. “Along with the need for more housing and community services, among others, is the dire need for improved roadways and transportation. Not only are our roadways used by our citizens to get from home to school to work, but with a booming trade industry and international corridors, we are in the epicenter of a bustling economy that relies on transportation around the clock.”