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DC court vacates LNG approval at Port of Brownsville

By
Steve Clark
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A view of the Port of Brownsville Ship Channel near Texas State Highway 48 on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

The D.C. Circuit Court on Tuesday ruled against approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal and related pipeline projects at the Port of Brownsville, effectively canceling prior approval of three such projects by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Sierra Club, in announcing the ruling, said this is the first time a court has vacated FERC approval of an LNG terminal. FERC approved Rio Grande LNG, Texas LNG and the Rio Bravo Pipeline “despite widespread concerns for the harm the projects would cause to the surrounding communities and the climate.”

A lawsuit was filed against FERC by the Sierra Club, the city of Port Isabel, Vecinos para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, a Floreville-based nonprofit organization, claiming that FERC failed to “adequately consider the environmental justice impacts and greenhouse gas emissions of the three projects, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and the Natural Gas Act.”

The D.C. court upheld the petitioners’ arguments, vacating FERC’s approvals, meaning the agency now has to reconsider the impacts of the three projects. This will require a new draft supplemental Environmental Impact Statements and public comment period before FERC decides whether to issue new project permits.

NextDecade Liquid Natural Gas development company continues construction Thursday, April 4, 2024, along Texas State Highway 4 at their Rio Grande LNG export facility in Brownsville. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

The petitioners and other LNG foes have argued that the projects would destroy endangered species habitat and many acres of wetland, while releasing hazardous air pollution that could cause asthma, cancer and other health conditions. The court’s ruling follows two other rulings in July that “call into question the adequacy of FERC reviews,” according to the Sierra Club, which noted that last week the D.C. Circuit Court ruled FERC had failed to consider greenhouse gas emissions as well as market need for expansion of Real Energy Access, a Williams company pipeline project in the Northeast.

Also last month, the same court ruled that FERC failed to adequately assess Commonwealth LNG’s air pollution impacts and greenhouse gas emissions, the Sierra Club said, adding that “it is unacceptable for FERC to conduct insufficient environmental justice analysis and to decline to make determinations on the significance of climate-warming emissions.”

A spokesman for Texas LNG said “we are studying the opinion, which is a procedural decision to correct a technical deficiency.”

“We have full confidence FERC will address this matter judiciously and efficiently and look forward to working with them on this important issue,” he said.

“Texas LNG is an industry-leading export facility designed to be the greenest on the planet once operational. Our project has undergone environmental impact studies previously and received tremendous support from government officials and financial and export partners. Our team is committed to resolving this issue quickly and completely to continue our progress toward (final investment decision) and construction in the near term,” the spokesman said.

NextDecade, which owns Rio Grande LNG, had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

Here’s the latest update:

LNG construction to continue at Port of Brownsville pending mandate

Warm, dry weather to follow wet July in Valley

By
Francisco E. Jimenez
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Overcast weather is seen at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville campus Wednesday, June 19, 2024. as rain bands from Tropical Storm Alberto cross over South Texas. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

The National Weather Service of Brownsville is anticipating above average temperatures and a “lean” toward above average rainfall for the lower Rio Grande Valley for the month of August.

The shift toward warmer and drier weather follows “earlier-than-expected” rainfall in the month of July totalling from 3 to 6 inches throughout the South Texas region, including 6 inches to over 10 inches of rain in Cameron and Willacy counties.

According to a news release from the National Weather Service, Harlingen and Brownsville ranked among the top five wettest Julys due in part to rains from Tropical Storm Alberto

“​​As we move deeper into meteorological autumn (defined as September-November), the shift toward warm/hot and dry becomes more pronounced as La Nina settles in,” ​​Barry Goldsmith, warning coordination meteorologist with National Weather Service in Brownsville, said in the news release.

“While local rains have temporarily helped soil moisture and retention levels, the current heat/lack of rain can make the situation fleeting and abnormal dryness can return rather quickly.”

Despite the above acreage rain in July, Amistad and Falcon International Reservoirs were unaffected.

“The helpful rains that followed Beryl, and that reached the lower Valley the last full week of July, missed these areas as well,” Goldsmith said.

Looking ahead toward the months of August through October, the National Weather Service is forecasting above average temperatures with above average rainfall in the Lower Valley, as well as equal chances of above, average and below average rainfall in the other regions of South Texas.

“Time is becoming an enemy for the necessary rains to help Amistad and Falcon,” Goldsmith said. “If cyclones like Debby become the rule, rainfall could be limited – and the record/near record low levels will continue through September.”

This could result in Stage 2 and 3 water restrictions continuing during the peak of hurricane season. As of Monday, Falcon was at 12% of total capacity and Amistad at 19.9% — a slight improvement following record lows of 8.7% on May 31 at Falcon and 18.7% in mid-late June at Amistad.

“Confidence is increasing for a warm and largely rain-free close to 2024,” Goldsmith said. “Such a situation would resume modest to steady reservoir reductions and a continuing water supply crisis for some.”

Pedestrians walk with umbrellas in the rain as Tropical Storm Alberto impacts the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Donna. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

He added that the drought which was removed from all areas by late June could return by late August due to persistent lack of rainfall.

“Any rainfall “spigot” may turn off between mid September and early October,” Goldsmith said. “If minimal rain falls before that time, drought conditions would steadily worsen – and moderate to severe (Level 1 and 2 of 4) would return in October.”

Drier conditions as well as low humidity and northwest winds could result in fire weather danger by October.

The National Weather Service is urging South Texas residents to be vigilant and prepared for any significant tropical events that could impact the region, including checking and repairing building and road infrastructure, maintaining clear drainage ditches/canals/culverts among other preventative measures.

“At the same time, water use vigilance remains key, even during this window where grass turned green and several retention/detention ponds filled,” Goldsmith said. “It only takes a couple of weeks of hot, rain-free weather to diminish or eliminate the benefits, and reservoir levels remain at or near historical lows. The forecast for mid September through October increasingly favors yellowing/browning out vs. greening up.”

San Benito proposing $18 million budget, plans water rate hikes

By
Fernando Del Valle
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A San Benito city limit sign is seen on March 5, 2012. (Dina Arevalo | The Monitor)

SAN BENITO — Officials are proposing an $18 million general fund budget coming with a “robust” $16.8 million fund balance while planning to launch a five-year series of water rate hikes aimed at pulling the utility system out of the red while helping to pay off long-term debt tied to the new water plant.

Under the proposed budget, officials are planning to build an amphitheater at the city’s fairgrounds, City Manager Fred Sandoval said.

As part of the project, plans are calling for construction of a stage along with the amphitheater seating crowds of 10,000 to 15,000, he said.

Earlier this year, commissioners called for a $10,000 feasibility study aimed at planning the project.

“It’s going to be a big venue,” Sandoval said in an interview. “We’re going to rejuvenate the fairgrounds. It’s going to rejuvenate San Benito. People are going to come from all over the Valley.”

At city hall, officials are out to revamp the city’s image.

As part of the proposed budget, commissioners are setting aside as much as $50,000 to hire a marketing firm to develop the city’s new brand, Sandoval said.

“We’re working to improve San Benito’s brand,” Commissioner Tom Goodman said in an interview. “If you’re going to attract new businesses and families, we need to have pride in our community. A brand goes a long way.”

The city’s new brand will feature San Benito’s rich cultural history in the town billed as the home of conjunto music, Sandoval said.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of historical and cultural aspects to the city that I know the city fathers, present and past, would love to keep,” he said. “There’s the conjunto heritage and historical background, like Freddy Fender and Charley Crockett.”

One of the city of San Benito’s two water treatment plants is pictured Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, on Turner Street in San Benito. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald)

Under the proposed budget, officials are planning to launch the five-year water rate plan in October, calling for a 10% increase in household water rates spread out over a five-year period.

After holding off for years, in 2022 the city’s past commission called for the water rate plan, set to increase household rates by 2% each year for five years while boosting average annual utility bills by $1.02 to as much as $1.54, based on water usage.

Last year, as part of the current $16.7 million budget, officials launched the first part of the plan, raising commercial rates by 8.3% to as much as 9.8% each year over a five-year period, based on usage.

For businesses, the plan increases average annual utility bills by $12.34 to as much as $160.64, based on usage.

After years of delaying a rate hike, the utility system’s annual deficit had climbed to $2.8 million while long-term debt had swelled to $19.39 million.

To offset annual shortfalls, officials were dipping into the city’s general fund budget.

Public comment sought as Brownsville Metro proposes fare increases

By
Staff Report
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Brownsville residents board their B-Metro Public Transit Bus Wednesday afternoon, June 2, 2021, at La Plaza at Brownsville Multimodal Terminal. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

The Brownsville Metro is restructuring its fare system which includes a fare increase, and they want to hear the public’s feedback.

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the La Plaza Terminal, located at 755 International Blvd.

The city also invites the public to fill out a survey at Brownsville Metro’s administration widow inside the terminal or at https://forms.office.com/g/92uWsyEcLV.

The proposed increase sees the general fare at $2 instead of its current fare of $1.

For reduced fares, which includes students, seniors, individuals with disabilities and military veterans, all four rates would increase to $1. Currently, students pay 75 cents while the other three reduced fares pay 50 cents. The fare for children under 6 will remain free.

Lastly, the proposed fare also seeks to increase the price for passes. The day pass would increase from $2.50 to $3, while the weekly pass would increase from $12 to $20. The 20-ride passes for students, seniors and individuals with disabilities will be removed under the proposed system.

The proposal will also introduce a 30 day pass, which would cost $60.

Texas Game Wardens seize illegal hoop nets in Falcon Lake

By
Staff Report
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Texas Game Wardens pose with seven illegal hoop nets seized at Falcon Lake in early August 2024. (Courtesy: Texas Game Wardens)

Texas Game Wardens earlier this week seized seven illegal hoop nets, rescuing hundreds of fingerling sized catfish and turtles.

“Earlier this week, a local fishing guide who witnessed a Mexican commercial fishing vessel operating on the Texas side of Falcon Lake called local wardens,” the agency said in a Facebook post. “They located and seized 7 hoop nets. Hundreds of fingerling sized catfish and turtles were returned to the water.”

Game Wardens over the past few weeks in the area have seized several thousand feet of monofilament gill net and gar net that don’t comply with state guidelines.

“Because illegal nets do not discriminate between fish sizes or species, they can severely damage local ecosystems by catching all aquatic life within a specific area preventing fishing opportunities in the future,” the post stated.

Game Wardens in Starr, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties continue to work to maintain control over illegal netting practices on Falcon Lake.

Those who witness possible fishing violations are asked to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-792-GAME or to contact a local Texas Game Warden.

From bedtime to mental health, expert offers back to school tips for RGV parents

By
Erika De Los Reyes
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Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Laira Manzanilla Luberti, said returning to school could be stressful, so she recommends that parents have open lines of communication with their children. She deems it essential for children to talk to their parents about the issues they face at school to feel they have a support system at home. (Courtesy: UTRGV)
Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Laira Manzanilla Luberti, said returning to school could be stressful, so she recommends that parents have open lines of communication with their children. She deems it essential for children to talk to their parents about the issues they face at school to feel they have a support system at home. (Courtesy: UTRGV)

As summer break comes to an end a local physician is urging parents to take the necessary health precautions as the first day of school approaches.

For Dr. Laura Manzanilla Luberti, a doctor at the UT Health RGV and assistant professor for Primary and Community Care at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, preparing children healthwise for the upcoming school year is as important as school supplies.

With the first day of school right around the corner, Luberti is encouraging parents to get their child to bed early to “ensure a smoother transition,” into a school schedule where they need to wake up early.

“Start by getting children to bed early,” Luberti said in a news release. “Depending on when they will be returning to school, you can go a bit slower by doing an hour earlier every day, until they get to the usual bedtime during the school year.”

Luberti explained that adjusting their child’s sleep schedule is just one way of preparing them for success in the new school year.

She also recommends parents to ensure their child stays up-to-date on the necessary vaccines and wellness checks. For those who require a sports physical she recommends parents bring a completed history form when attending a wellness check.

Not only is physical health vital but also nutritional health.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention attributes proper growth and development to healthy eating that follows the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The guidelines suggest children eat meals that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, a variety of protein foods and oils. The goal of the guideline is to promote healthy eating by also limiting calories from solid fats and added sugars.

According to the CDC, added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for those between the ages of 2 and 18 years old.

UT Health RGV experts are available for health visits and wellness checkups for the back-to-school season, at the UT Health RGV Primary & Urgent Care facility at 3804 S. Jackson Road in Edinburg. (Courtesy: UTRGV)

“Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk,” stated the CDC. “Most youth do not consume the recommended amount of total water.”

The CDC also pointed to a healthy diet helping one consume necessary nutrients and reducing the risk of developing health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, iron deficiency and dental cavities.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests packing healthy lunches such as sandwiches made with whole wheat bread; packing whole fruits or vegetables; dips such as hummus, guacamole or ranch dressing; pretzels or crackers; fat-free milk or water.

Luberti recommends allowing children to choose between healthy snacks to give them a sense of independence and choice.

Other considerations to make are a student’s mental health and even the weight of their backpack.

Luberti is asking parents to create an environment with open communication where their children can express themselves in a safe place.

“Even if it’s just 15 or 30 minutes, talk or have a screen-free dinner together as a family. That will open that communication,” Luberti said in the release. “Kids need to hear and see that their parents are interested in them and what happens during their day.”

DHR Health is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality cardiovascular care

By
Guest Contributor
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DHR Health is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality cardiovascular care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

Edinburg, TX: DHR Health has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“DHR Health is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Marissa Castaneda, DHR Health Senior Executive Vice President. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the Rio Grande Valley can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize DHR Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

DHR Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Plus award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

Another award DHR Health received is the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

DHR Health has also achieved recognition as a “Comprehensive Stroke Center” by meeting rigorous scientific standards. This designation underscores its strong system for the swift diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients in the emergency department. As a Level I Comprehensive Stroke Center, DHR Health ranks among the nation’s top facilities for stroke care. Moreover, the DHR Health Stroke Network extends from Starr County to Brownsville, offering around-the-clock neurosurgery, neurology, and neuroendovascular services to ensure that the region benefits from the highest level of care.

Despite reassignment, former Rio Grande City Grulla ISD super to retain $240K salary

By
Omar Zapata
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Elsa Morris
Elsa Morris

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD voted to reassign Adolfo Peña, the previous superintendent, to another position in the district while also naming Elsa Morris as the new interim superintendent.

Meanwhile, Peña will retain his salary of $240,000 a year.

The reason for his reassignment was not disclosed to The Monitor nor was what position he was reassigned to.

Board member Veronica Barrera, who voted against the reassignment, has voiced her frustration over what she says is the lack of explanation for the change.

On Tuesday, Barrera said that she doesn’t know where Peña was reassigned to.

In a special board meeting on July 30, members discussed in closed session a possible amendment or change to the superintendent’s contract.

Without any public discussion, the board approved the change with member Noe Castillo and Eduardo “Eddie” Ramirez abstaining

The only board member to vote against it was Barrera.

The school board then voted to appoint Elsa Morris to interim superintendent on a month-to-month basis. Morris was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction before her appointment.

Barrera and Ramirez abstained from voting on that item.

In an email to The Monitor, Barrera said she spoke to the district’s counsel, Baltazar Salazar, who told her that Peña was not terminated because there is no documentation on any failure to perform his job and he was therefore reassigned to another position in the district while they continue to pay his salary.

“My point of view is that us, as a school board, as members, we did not do our job supervising him and giving him the feedback or the supervision that we’re supposed to be giving him,” she said via a phone call Tuesday. “And now it’s like, OK, we’re not happy with you, let’s just put you aside but that’s not how things work, it’s not professionally done.”

Board member Eleazar Velasquez Jr. said during the meeting that change can be hard.

“Sometimes nobody likes changes but they’re necessary. I don’t want to sound brutal or bad but we get elected by the people and one of the things I like to do the most is to listen to the community. And many many employees were begging for a change and we need to listen to them,” Velasquez said.

Barrera’s email also stated that Peña currently has a four-year contract with one year completed.

According to Texas Education Agency superintendent salary reports, Peña has a salary of $240,000.

Barrera said his salary is a problem considering the district has a budget deficit of about $8 million going into next school year.

“Our school is really broke yet we’re going to continue paying this man for the next three years with that amount of money,” she said. “‘It doesn’t make sense,’ I told them. This is like a business, you can’t have that.”

Board President Basilo Villarreal Jr. did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Adrian Ozuna, director of public relations for the district, was unable to produce a district official for an interview with The Monitor.

As for Barrera, she maintained that reassigning Peña was not correct.

“We need to do things the right way, and if there isn’t any justification to get rid of him, then you’re going to have to go through the proper process and get rid of him until you have justification,” Barrera said.

Former Harlingen mayor, commissioners respond to Bass Pro Shops deal

By
Fernando Del Valle
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Bass Pro Shops is seen in this July 22, 2020, file photo in Harlingen. (Maricela Rodriguez/Valley Morning Star)
Bass Pro Shops is seen in this July 22, 2020, file photo in Harlingen. (Maricela Rodriguez/Valley Morning Star)

HARLINGEN — While former Mayor Chris Boswell stood behind a 2010 deal that helped land Bass Pro Shops, former Commissioners Jerry Prepejchal and Joey Trevino questioned parts of the agreement leading to a $4.4 million purchase at an 8% interest rate.

After an eight-month legal battle, the city’s new commission and developers 83/77 Properties entered into a settlement allowing the city to pay off the debt within four years, Commissioner Daniel Lopez said last week.

In 2010, a previous commission entered into an agreement with 83/77 Properties after about nine months of negotiations, Boswell, who served as mayor at the time, said Tuesday.

Looking back on the deal, Boswell described Bass Pro Shops as an economic catalyst fueling growth.

“I think Bass Pro has certainly contributed to the positive growth the city has experienced,” he said. “Overall, Bass Pro Shops made a powerful impact on the growth in the city of Harlingen.”

But former Commissioner Jerry Prepejchal said he regrets casting his vote for the deal.

“If we knew these things before, I wouldn’t have approved Bass Pro,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Commissioner Joey Trevino questioned the reason the city didn’t refinance the debt at a lower interest rate.

In response to the Valley Morning Star’s request for a comment regarding his perception of the land deal, former Commissioner Robert Leftwich criticized the current city manager, stating he “has shown a lack of due diligence in managing this debt and has been derelict in his duties,” while going on to accuse the mayor and commission of hostile behavior toward out-of-town investors.

At the time of the deal, city officials were focused on landing Bass Pro Shops to help draw development to the new Harlingen Heights business district, Boswell said in an interview.

“There was a lot of interest,” he said. “In 2010, the city was looking for a catalyst to jump-start economic growth.”

During negotiations, 83/77 Properties wanted $4.3 million for the tract of land on which Bass Pro Shops would be built, Boswell said.

“It was really going to stretch us,” he said, referring to the $4.3 million purchase. “So we didn’t want to borrow.”

Customers are seen shopping during Black Friday at Bass Pro Shops on Nov. 28, 2014, in Harlingen. (David Pike/Valley Morning Star)

At the time, Anne Burger Entrekin, the city’s longtime financial advisor with First Southwest Co., recommended entering into an agreement in which the city would pledge future sales tax revenue generated within the tract to pay the developer, Boswell said, adding the city agreed to commit 50% of sales tax derived from the area.

As part of the purchase, the city agreed to an 8% interest rate.

“Looking at it from a developer’s perspective, he was taking a gamble, too,” Boswell said, referring to 83/77 Properties. “The debt was never an absolute obligation on the city, so if he never generated a dime, this number on the ledger sheet keeps going up, but there’s no obligation on the city to pay it. From the developer’s perspective, he’s like an equity partner — he may never get paid.”

Under the agreement, 83/77 Properties would develop the tract surrounding Bass Pro Shops, Boswell said.

“We anticipated there would be enough sales tax to pay the debt,” he said.

Within two years, 83/77 Properties had sold four lots, drawing AT&T, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel and Hooters, Boswell said.

In December 2010, the commission, made up of Boswell, Prepejchal, Leftwich, Trevino and Commissioners Gus Ruiz and Kori Marra, unanimously approved the agreement.

“It was the biggest retail project Harlingen’s ever seen — certainly Cameron County’s ever seen,” Boswell said.

In a lawsuit filed in December, city officials argued the agreement failed to contain critical terms regarding payment and financing terms.

Late last month, officials and 83/77 Properties reached a settlement, Lopez, the current commissioner, said.

“Under the settlement agreement, the city and HEDC will pay their portions of the original $4.4 million debt in one lump sum within 30 days of the agreement being signed,” he said in a statement.

Then, the city and HEDC will use sales tax money generated by businesses within a tract of land surrounding Bass Pro Shops to pay off the balance, he said.

In the last 14 years, the city paid more than $2.3 million while its debt rose from $4.4 million to $6.39 million, Lopez said.

Ruiz and Marra did not respond to messages requesting comment.

Brownsville economic arm: $2.8M invested in quality-of-life programs

By
Steve Clark
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The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has released its fiscal year 2022-2023 annual report. (Courtesy photo)

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has released its fiscal year 2022-2023 annual report, which the economic development organization said reflects “substantial achievements in economic development, entrepreneurship support, community development and quality-of-life enhancement initiatives.”

BCIC, supported by a quarter-cent city sales and use tax, is an economic development organization mandated by the city to commit at least 50% of its funding to projects that enhance quality of life.

The annual report shows that BCIC, in the category of “community development,” invested more than $2.8 million in quality-of-life programs during the fiscal year, and more than $2.3 million in property improvements, generating over $27.3 million in private investment and creating or retaining 682 full- and part-time jobs.

A worker trims palm trees along Washington Street in downtown Brownsville. (Miguel Roberts/The Brownsville Herald)

According to BCIC, those jobs were retained or created in part through quality-of-life grants and the organization’s Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Program, which offers 50/50 matching grants to downtown property owners and tenants putting their own money into rehabilitating old commercial buildings. BCIC’s rent subsidy program distributed $110,408 through BIG, according to the report.

BCIC also credited its eBridge Fund, which provides businesses with emergency funds if necessary for creation and/or retention of jobs, plus the organization’s Small Business Recovery Fund, designed to provide support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through forgivable micro-loans up to $20,000.

In the “finance programs” column, the annual report records more than $2.9 million in business financing funds disbursed, with 162 business projects receiving those funds through BIG, the eBridge Fund and Recovery Fund, plus StartUp Texas, BCIC’s seed fund and business accelerator program.

Under the heading “entrepreneurship and innovation,” the report cites the grand opening of the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization (March 9, 2023), and the fact that 80 companies have been launched since then, while 950 businesses have been served since 2019 through eBridge partnerships with the city of Brownsville, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and “other key players.”

Cori Pena, BCIC’s president and CEO, said she is “immensely proud” of the progress the organization has made in growing Brownsville’s economic landscape over the past two years.

“Inside this edition of the report is a testament to our community’s resilience, innovation and collaborative spirit,” she said. “It captures the transformative impact of our initiatives, from the successful launch of the eBridge Center to the growth of our quality-of-life and BIG grant programs.”

The eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization’s logo greets visitors Thursday, March 9, 2023. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald)

Pena said BCIC is helping build an a vibrant Brownsville “where every individual and business has the opportunity to thrive,” and thanked BCIC’s partners and stakeholders as well as community members for their support.

BCIC has won recognition from the International Economic Development Council several times in recent years, including the IEDC’s Gold Award in Entrepreneurship in 2021, Silver Excellence Award in Neighborhood Development and Bronze Award for Entrepreneurship in 2022, and the Gold Award for Partnership and Educational Institutions and Bronze Awards for Best Use of Federal Economic Development Resources in 2023.

Nelson Amaro, BCIC director of marketing and communications, said the annual report has been submitted for consideration by IEDC for its 2024 Excellence Awards, which include an annual report category.

He encouraged everyone in the community, stakeholders and potential investors to read the report to get a comprehensive understanding of BCIC’s “impact and future direction.”

“Behind every statistic in this report is a story of local entrepreneurship, community collaboration and shared vision,” Amaro said. “We’re proud to share these stories and invite everyone to be part of Brownsville’s exciting future.”

The BCIC annual report can be found at brownsvilleedc.org. Click on the main menu option “transparency.”

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