MISSION, Texas — Federal dollars account for roughly 70 percent—or more than $1.6 billion—of the $2.3 billion-plus infrastructure project portfolio planned across the local region, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar told regional business leaders and local elected officials at an Infrastructure Summit hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership at the Mission Event Center.
Cuellar, D-Laredo, emphasized that securing federal reauthorizations and upcoming annual appropriations before end-of-year deadlines remains essential to keeping critical South Texas transportation corridors moving forward.
"Out of the $2.3 billion-plus, 70 percent—or $1.6 billion—are federal dollars," Cuellar said. "This is why the Texas delegation, both in the House and Senate, has to pass these transportation dollars so they can come to the state, and the state can go ahead and distribute those dollars."
Cuellar pointed out that while federal formulas across the country typically cover an 80-20 split, local projects rely on a 70 percent federal share alongside matching funds raised by state and regional entities like the local Regional Mobility Authority (RMA).
Highlighting legislative mechanics in Washington, Cuellar stressed the importance of policy language inserted into five-year surface transportation bills. Specific statutory designations allow lawmakers to direct priority infrastructure projects,citing the strategic inclusion of the Interstate 27 extension corridor along Highway 83.
"The highway bill is not only money, but you can put instructions in there," Cuellar explained. "You add language there to direct where you want rail, a fast train, or where you want efforts put in certain areas."
Cuellar praised key regional stakeholders, including Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade and TxDOT Pharr District Engineer Pete Alvarez, for maintaining active leadership and ensuring local priorities compete effectively for state and federal funding pools.
Prior to Cuellar taking the podium, Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez introduced the veteran lawmaker, emphasizing that long-term regional economic competitiveness hinges on robust infrastructure and senior congressional representation.
"To be competitive, we have to offer what companies are looking for—a reliable source of water, reliable power, a reliable workforce, and quality of life," Cortez told the audience. "But it's also very important for us to have efficient mobility because we want access to ground transportation, water, air, and rail."
Cortez highlighted his decades-long professional relationship with Cuellar, dating back to 2005 when Cortez was first elected mayor of McAllen and Cuellar entered the U.S. House of Representatives.
"In Washington, seniority matters," Cortez said, noting that Cuellar ranks in the top 40 percent of House seniority. "If you want an effective, efficient congressman, that's Henry Cuellar."
Cortez concluded by noting that while consensus and collaboration build regional momentum, securing dedicated federal appropriations remains "the main key to success."
