Washington, DC (January 18, 2008) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced this week that a special groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge on Monday, January 21. The event will mark the official start of the bridge’s construction, which is expected to be completed in 2009.

“I started working on this bridge when it was a just a dream that no one believed would get done. It has been a long road, but I’m thrilled that we are finally breaking ground on a project that will truly transform the region,” Hinojosa said. “Once finished, the Donna-Rio Bravo Bridge will provide a conduit for increased trade between the U.S. and Mexico, more jobs, and greater overall opportunity for the City of Donna and the surrounding communities to prosper.”

Last month, Hinojosa secured a landmark $23.3 million for the project. This crucial funding will go toward the construction of the bridge’s inspection facilities and represents the single largest federal appropriation for the bridge to date. The Office of Management and Budget has estimated that the federal cost for the project will total $100 million over 10 years.

The Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge has a long history that dates back 29 years. In 1979, the City of Donna was issued a presidential permit to construct, maintain and operate a bridge across the Rio Grande River.  Due to a lack of financial resources, the project never got off the ground.  In 1993, the city began the necessary engineering studies to construct the bridge. Progress, however, remained slow and the project again stalled.

In 2002, the Cities of Donna and Mercedes negotiated a partnership to jointly undertake the engineering studies and construction project.  The Donna-Mercedes International Bridge Corporation completed the majority of the engineering studies, which were approved by U.S. and Mexican agencies. Nevertheless, the partnership ended following elections.

The City of Donna decided to move forward anyway, and created the Donna International Bridge Corporation to complete the remaining engineering plans and bring the project closer to construction.  In 2005, the Corporation received environmental clearance and a U.S. Coast Guard permit allowing the project to be constructed by U.S. Customs.

Finally, in August 2006, after a year of negotiations between Rep. Hinojosa, U.S. Customs, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the City of Donna, GSA was ready to proceed with the Federal Inspection Facilities portion of the project. 

“This groundbreaking ceremony marks a truly historic day for the City of Donna. We are one step closer to providing more jobs and opportunities for the City and the Mid-Valley communities,” Hinojosa said.  “When this bridge is completed, I envision the unemployment rate for the Mid-Valley region to be similar to the 6 percent rate enjoyed in the areas of Harlingen, McAllen, and Edinburg. There is no doubt its construction will positively affect our area for generations to come.”


MONDAY, JANUARY 21
 
WHAT:    Groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of construction on the Donna-Rio Bravo     International Bridge

WHO:    Congressman Rubén Hinojosa
                Congressman Solomon Ortiz
                Federal and Local Officials

WHERE:    The Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge

WHEN:    12:30 p.m.

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