By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. today sent a letter to the county’s state and federal elected officials opposing the city of Del Rio’s current plans for a second international bridge and associated connector routes northwest of the city limits.
Owens released a copy of the letter to The 830 Times this afternoon and said he emailed the letter to U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales. He also sent a copy of the letter to Beney J. Lee, Border Affairs Officer for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Mexican Affairs.
The county judge said he also sent the letter to the county’s state elected representatives, Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez and Texas Rep. Eddie Morales.
Owens said a copy of the letter was also sent to the head of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Owens told The 830 Times today he followed the emailed letter with hard copies mailed to each of the elected representatives of the area, as well as to the State Department and TxDOT.
“We have been talking about sending this letter, but we hadn’t sent it because we thought there would be an opportunity to sit down and discuss this with the city and try and work something out, but then the city made their trip to Washington, D.C., after telling us they had decided to cancel (the trip), so when they went (to Washington) anyway, we decided to go ahead and send the letter,” Owens said.
He said he also sent copies of the letter to Mayor Al Arreola, City Manager Shawna Burkhart and Assistant City Manager Manuel Chavez.
The text of Owens’ letter reads as follows:
“As you may be aware, the City of Del Rio has applied or will be applying for a Presidential Permit for a second international bridge in Val Verde County. As Val Verde County Judge, I believe it is important that you hear from me regarding this topic, which is of great importance and interest to our community.
“Please note that Val Verde County Commissioners Court has adamantly and publicly opposed the bridge location and relief routes currently being proposed by the City of Del Rio. The current proposed routes cause two main issues of concern for Val Verde County. First, the current routes would traverse a critical water recharge area, as demonstrated by a sinkhole in the ground into which rainwater pours after every rain. Secondly, numerous residents would lose their homes and residential neighborhoods would likely experience a decrease in home/land values. As an aside, a City of Del Rio official recently made the comment that some of the affected homes are mobile homes, implying that the homes are not significant. Personally, I am insulted by this calloused attitude, as these are still people’s homes. Keep in mind that all of the residents that would be directly impacted by a bridge and relief route proposed by the City of Del Rio and those who would be displaced all live outside the incorporated city limits of the City of Del Rio and are all residents of Val Verde County.
“Through an official court action, Val Verde County Commissioners Court has proposed an alternate location for a second international bridge. The proposed alternate location is south of the current international bridge and would not adversely impact residents on either side of the border. It appears that the County’s suggestion of an alternate bridge location (being south of the current international bridge) and relief route has fallen on deaf ears as the City of Del Rio continues with their plans for a more invasive and controversial location (being north of the current international bridge) and adjoining relief route.
“I point out that the route proposed by Val Verde County (being south of the current international bridge) has some attractive benefits. First, the south bridge location would not impede on any existing residential neighborhood nor would it displace any homeowners. The Val Verde County Commissioners Court has held numerous meetings to discuss the prospects of a second international bridge and those meetings have been very well attended (in most cases, the meetings have been standing room only). After hearing from members of the community in citizen comments, there is an overwhelming opposition to a bridge north of the current international bridge. As such, there is an overwhelming sense of support for a bridge south of the current international bridge. Second, a south bridge location would create a tremendous opportunity for the creation and development of a second industrial park, where the County already owns substantial raw, undeveloped land (i.e., the S.E. Ranch). As such, if the County were to proceed with the creation and development of a second industrial park on the S.E. Ranch, the City of Del Rio has already expressed an interest in partnering with the County in this potential development project. Third, the proposed relief route to a south bridge would provide for a relief route allowing for an easier flow of traffic from our neighboring City of Eagle Pass to the south bridge and allows for a more natural traffic flow to the I-27 (Ports-to-Plains) Corridor, U.S. 377 Corridor to Dallas, as well as the Highway 90 Corridor.
“Val Verde County also has concerns regarding the City of Del Rio’s ability to manage such a large, expensive undertaking/project (a second international bridge) considering current fiscal challenges which the City faces. To expound, Ms. Shawna D. Burkhart, acting City Manager for the City of Del Rio, sent me a letter, dated January 28, 2025, wherein she stated that the City had urgent water and sewer issues, such that the City would need approximately $48.5 million to properly address and fix those issues. In the letter of January 28th, Ms. Burkhart states, ‘Please note that these two areas of concern could negatively impact the viability of Laughlin Air Force Base. Consequently, the City, County, Economic Development (Corporation) and all interested parties have a real and vested interest in creating a viable plan to ensure the ongoing viability of Laughlin Air Force Base.’ It stands to reason that the City of Del Rio should first ensure that the current water and sewer issues (which are basic services benefiting every resident of the City of Del Rio) are thoroughly addressed and concluded before taking on the second international bridge project.
“In conclusion, although Val Verde County has presented a viable alternate second bridge location and route than the one being forwarded by the City of Del Rio, the pleas of the County have fallen on deaf ears. Equally concerning to me are the fiscal challenges which the City of Del Rio currently faces in providing and improving two of the most basic (but critical) infrastructure needs of the community, those being water and sewer. It is my opinion that before the City of Del Rio takes on the enormous and expensive project of a second international bridge, the City should first address the issues of water and sewer needs of the community!”
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
