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As county judge of Cameron County, I have had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project has had on our entire Rio Grande Valley community. In my 20 years as a public official, our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley have always prioritized the region’s economic sustainability. The $18.4 billion committed to the Rio Grande LNG project (Phase 1) is currently the largest private energy infrastructure investment in the United States and represents a transformative opportunity for all the residents or our region.
A project of this size and scale comes with an incredible amount of regulatory oversight and approvals. Throughout this successful process, NextDecade maintained an open line of communications, listened to feedback and truly worked with all interested parties. Beyond developing a best-in-class and region-transforming infrastructure project, NextDecade has shown a deep commitment to the Rio Grande Valley by spearheading this project. The construction phase alone is set to generate around 5,000 to 6,000 well-paying jobs for seven to 10 years, with hundreds of additional permanent positions upon completion. Furthermore, Rio Grande LNG emphasizes local hiring by committing to employing a minimum of 35% of their workforce from the surrounding community. Notably, out of the 1,500 individuals currently on-site, 70% are local residents.
NextDecade is also contributing $400 million to bridge the funding gap to deepen the Brownsville Ship Channel from 42 feet to 52 feet. However, should the Rio Grande LNG project cease to continue construction, then so will the dredging project cease. This dredging project is not only vital for the Port of Brownsville to attract larger vessels but will support and boost the overall economic growth and development of the region. By prioritizing local hiring and investing in the Port of Brownsville, NextDecade is poised to provide substantial income opportunities for thousands of people and businesses in the area.
By prioritizing local hiring and investing in the Port of Brownsville, NextDecade is poised to provide substantial income opportunities for thousands of people and businesses in the area. Moreover, the project’s projected contribution of hundreds of millions in annual GDP, coupled with the boost in county tax revenue, promises to significantly fortify and enhance our budget for vital areas such as education, public facilities and community development.
Should the D.C. Circuit Court’s ruling to vacate Rio Grande LNG’s FERC Order be upheld and construction on the project is stopped, the negative impacts on Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley will be significant — thousands of jobs will be lost, a vital Port of Brownsville dredging project will not be completed and hundreds of millions of dollars of annual GDP and tax revenue will not be generated.
In my experience collaborating with NextDecade over the years, I have consistently witnessed their dedication to the Rio Grande Valley and its residents. It is clear that ensuring the successful realization of the Rio Grande LNG project is paramount for Cameron County and the entire Rio Grande Valley. This undertaking stands to bring about generational economic growth, prosperity and newfound opportunities for countless families and individuals within Cameron County and the entire Rio Grande Valley.
Eddie Treviño Jr. is Cameron County judge.