In This Issue
South Texas Booms
TEXpansion: Edinburg lands major Brazilian denim maker
How to bridge international commerce
Tips on partnering for development
Partnering for Impact:
Sources for job-training funds
Texas job growth takes off
Web Exclusive
Local Government
Tools that Made
the Difference
Tools that Made the Difference for the Anzalduas Bridge
Three cities collaborated to build the Anzalduas Bridge, named for the Anzalduas Dam and County Park. The city of Mission obtained the U.S. Presidential Permit required to build the bridge, and McAllen assisted in financing the project. Because the city of Hidalgo already partners with McAllen on another bridge, it supported the Anzalduas Bridge.
Keith Patridge, president and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corp., says communication is critical for achieving successful partnerships.
“Keep everyone involved so no one feels left out. Secondly, have a very clear vision of how everyone is going to win with the project.”
Vital Link
International bridge to increase valley’s commerce.
Editor’s Note: The following article appeared in the July 2008 issue of Texas Rising.
McAllen, Mission and Hidalgo have partnered to provide a crucial Texas-Mexico link.
The Anzalduas International Bridge, set to open June 2009, has already brought more rooftops to the Rio Grande Valley and expansion plans to maquiladoras in Reynosa, Mexico.
The $80 million project has taken 14 years and the cooperation of 43 government agencies to materialize, but perseverance and patience prevailed, says Carlos Garza, chairman of the International Bridge Board.
“We’re all focused on the economic impact and the improvements to the quality of life more than the business of the bridge itself, even though every bridge is a business and can be a very profitable one,” Garza says.
McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez estimates the new bridge will boost his city’s visitors by 10 to 15 percent as shoppers from Monterrey enjoy a 45-minute shorter drive with fewer traffic delays. A SENTRI lane, dedicated to frequent bridge users with clearance to travel between the two countries, will offer a delay-free route. Mexican residents are a significant portion of McAllen’s consumer base. According to a 2007 survey, 211 of 312 shoppers in McAllen were from Mexico, while 75 were from Monterrey, says Cortez.
The bridge will shave commutes for thousands of U.S. workers employed at the maquiladoras, Mexican factories where products are imported for assembly and then exported to the originating country. The bridge will improve just-in-time delivery and lower inventory costs, says Keith Patridge, president and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corp.
Mission has seen tremendous growth, with its property values rising from $835 million 10 years ago to $3.2 billion in 2008. Its population is growing, from 31,550 in 1990 to a projected 56,393 in 2009.
“We expect a lot of new things to happen to the city of Mission,” says Mayor Norberto Salinas. “This is not a small town anymore.” TR
- Who:
Williams Brothers Construction - When:
Project broke ground June 12, 2007; projected completion date June 29, 2009. - Where:
Located three miles up the Rio Grande River from its sister bridge, the Hidalgo-Reynosa, the Anzalduas Bridge in Mission connects to Farm-to-Market Roads 494 and 1016 in Hidalgo County. - How it’s funded:
The U.S. side received funds from the federal government, International Bridge Board and Texas Department of Transportation. McAllen plans to earn back its $28.5 million investment through bridge tolls.
To learn more about the Anzalduas International Bridge, visit www.medc.org/anzalduas_bridge.php.