MISSION, Texas — Highlighting a transformative era of economic expansion, infrastructure development, and quality-of-life enhancements across Western Hidalgo County, Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal delivered a sweeping keynote address at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce's recent Buenas Tardes Luncheon.
Addressing business leaders, economic developers, and municipal officials, Villarreal detailed a series of landmark achievements for Precinct 3, ranging from landing a historical $225 million automotive manufacturing facility to an unprecedented multi-year road construction record and brand-new community recreation complexes.
A central pillar of Villarreal's remarks focused on regional economic competitiveness and the intergovernmental collaboration required to secure major industrial investments for South Texas. Villarreal revealed key details behind the successful recruitment of global automotive technology manufacturer Valeo to Hidalgo County, describing it as the largest single project in county history.
When McAllen city leadership approached his office seeking county participation to compete against rival states for the manufacturing facility, Villarreal committed immediate county support, including a $5 million participation package to match local recruitment incentives.
"I immediately said yes because it's a great opportunity," Villarreal said. "We did win, and we did get the company down here... Valeo is investing $225 million dollars in our area. What's so amazing is that everything that we do—whether it's a park, a wellness center, a new road—is to create the infrastructure to sustain businesses like these that want to come down."
The Valeo development is projected to create 500 direct jobs with average salaries exceeding $90,000 plus benefits. Villarreal underscored the vital role such high-paying positions play in retaining local talent and offering long-term career paths for Rio Grande Valley college graduates.
"As a father, you don't think about it until you start having children: Are our kids going to come back after receiving their education?" Villarreal reflected. "It's up to us, and it's a big responsibility that I take very seriously in creating better opportunities so that our kids can come back and work here in our precinct."
Beyond industrial recruitment, Villarreal announced major investments in public health and community infrastructure. Precinct 3 is breaking ground on a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot wellness center constructed directly adjacent to the precinct's newly completed 5K hike and bike trail.
The new wellness facility and outdoor complex will feature:
Villarreal highlighted the fiscal leverage achieved through grant funding, noting that federal grants covered 90% of certain park components while requiring only a 10% local match.
"That's just amazing. It does not impact my local funds and what I do for my precinct to assist all of my cities," Villarreal explained. "We were able to secure these funds that qualify for the health and the well-being of our citizens."
Turning to transportation infrastructure, Villarreal praised the Precinct 3 team while highlighting an unprecedented road paving record. Following research conducted by the county urban director, Villarreal confirmed that Precinct 3 has earned top honors for paving more road miles than any other precinct in Hidalgo County for five consecutive years.
Villarreal emphasized that transportation corridors serve as the critical foundation for retail growth and small business development. He pointed to ongoing joint investments on Liberty Road in Peñitas, where Precinct 3 partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to commit approximately $20 million across Phase One and Phase Two.
|
Project / Initiative |
Investment / Scope |
Economic & Community Impact |
|
Valeo Manufacturing Facility |
$225 Million Total Investment |
500 high-tech jobs ($90,000+ avg salary); largest capital project in county history. |
|
Liberty Road Expansion (Peñitas) |
$20 Million (Precinct + TxDOT) |
Catalyzed commercial node: Walmart, Home Depot, Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, Denny's. |
|
Precinct 3 Wellness Center |
30,000 Sq. Ft. Complex |
Batting cages, boxing, cardio, dance studio, 5K trail, dog park, and cross-training area. |
|
Infrastructure Record |
5 Consecutive Years |
Paved more road miles annually than any other Hidalgo County precinct since 2021. |
The Liberty Road expansion has rapidly catalyzed commercial development in Peñitas, attracting national corporate anchors—including Walmart and a Home Depot currently under construction—alongside major dining and retail establishments such as Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Denny's.
"It's not just a road for our families to drive safely to work and bring their children to school," Villarreal noted. "It's making dreams happen for that person that went to college and wants to build their own business... whether it's a nail salon or medical offices. We're making dreams come true while creating new jobs for our local students."
Villarreal concluded his remarks by reaffirming Precinct 3's commitment to close intergovernmental partnerships across all municipalities in Western Hidalgo County, including McAllen, Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, Alton, Granjeno, Palmhurst, La Joya, and Sullivan City.
He emphasized that disciplined financial management and proactive municipal coordination will continue to drive the precinct's economic momentum.
"We're doing amazing, and we're going to continue to take care of you, and at the same time, make sure that we're great stewards of our taxpayer money," Villarreal concluded.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of Commissioner Villarreal's remarks at the Greager Mission Chamber event:
