WASHINGTON, DC ­ Next week, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) and Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez will meet with local officials throughout the district regarding highway construction projects including a ribbon cutting ceremony for State Highway 550. Additionally, Administrator Mendez will join U.S. Representative Filemon Vela on a tour of the I-69 corridor in South Texas.

The completion of this $34 million, 3.9 mile project is the second phase of a 9.8 mile corridor that will link U.S. 77/83 (Future I-69) at the north and SH 48 at the south to provide a direct connection to a new entrance at the Port of Brownsville and connectivity to the Laguna Madre area. Funding for the SH 550 project was prioritized by Congress through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Economic Stimulus Act).

With the exception of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, all meetings will be closed to the press. However, Congressman Vela and Administrator Mendez will be available to speak with press immediately following each meeting.

***All Media inquiries for Rep. Filemon Vela should be directed to Brenda Lopez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 956.544.8352***