McALLEN, RGV – It is not often two of the Rio Grande Valley’s three members of Congress attend the same event but this will be the case on Tuesday.
Congressmen Henry Cuellar, who represents the western end of the Valley, and Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, who represents the central part of the region, will attend and speak at a press conference for the official announcement of the completion of the $26 million McAllen International Airport Terminal Expansion.
Some of the federal funding has come via the Federal Aviation Administration and some from the Transportation Security Administration.
“This airport is a vital component to the economic growth in this region and will strengthen our position as a gateway between all of the countries in the Americas,” Hinojosa said, in a statement issued on Monday. “This airport expansion project would not have been possible without support from every level of government. Federal funding was leveraged with state and local funds to complete this project.”
Also attending the event will be McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez, McAllen City Commissioners and Airport Advisory Board Chairman Ben Smith. The airport expansion project added 55,000 square feet to the existing 45,000 square feet bringing the airport’s size to 100,000 square feet. Some of the new changes include an additional terminal gate, food and beverage expansion as well as TSA improved equipment for security.
The news conference takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The official ribbon cutting for the McAllen International Airport Expansion will be held later that same day at 5:30 p.m. at the McAllen International Airport followed by a reception and tour of the airport.
At 12 noon on Tuesday, Congressman Cuellar will give a legislative update at the Cimarron Club in Mission at a “Buenas Tardes” luncheon hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce.
Editor’s Note: In the main picture that accompanies this story are U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, and U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes.
