BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville Mayor Juan “Trey” Mendez, III, left the best until last in his 2022 State of the City address.
Mendez said a number of the projects and programs he referenced in his address were important. However, he said bringing reliable and affordable broadband to the residents of the city tops the lot. Here is what he said about eliminating the digital divide:
“This next project is the one I believe will impact our city for generations to come. Back when I was elected, almost three years ago, Brownsville had just been named one of the least connected cities in the United States for two years in a row. I set out to cross our name off that list.
“I am happy to say just a few weeks ago, our city commission voted to commit almost $20 million in ARPA funding to fund the middle mile broadband infrastructure network.
“But, that is not all. The City will also partner with Lit Communities and HMI, who have brought $50 million in private funding to the table, for the construction the last mile network.
“This means that every home in Brownsville will have affordable and accessible connectivity to the internet.
“Gone are the days where teachers cannot upload their lesson plans. Gone are days that our children have to go to McDonalds, sit in library parking lots with their parents or knock on their neighbors’ doors to access the internet. A reliable and affordable broadband network will bring increased economic development to our city, improve tele-health offerings, and eliminate the digital divide in our community.
“This partnership will serve as a model for other communities around the country and it is happening right here.
“So, please, a big round of applause for that.”
The large gathering at the Brownsville Events Center gave him that applause.
At the conclusion of the State of the City address, Mendez spoke with reporters. In a video interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Mendez confirmed broadband access was a top issue for him. He also spoke about a hike and bike trail and SpaceX in the interview.
Video:
Editor’s Note: Viewers can watch the entire 2022 State of the City address given by Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez on YouTube. Click here to watch it.
Editor’s Note: The above news story is the first in a six-part series on the 2022 State of the City address. Part Two will be uploaded in our next edition.
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