By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce this week formally voiced its support for the city’s efforts to construct a second international bridge between Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Coah., Mexico.
Former Del Rio Mayor Dora Alcalá read a letter from the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber expressing support for the bridge project during the regular meeting of the Del Rio City Council on Tuesday. Alcalá made the presentation at the request of Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez.
Alcalá first thanked Martinez for getting the Hispanic chamber on the council agenda.
“Mayor Arreola, council members, I am here as a spokesperson, not representing, because I cannot represent. I’m here as a spokesperson because when they said we really don’t want to go in public comments, we don’t want to mail a letter, we want to be there in person to let (the council members) know that we really care about our community, and this is the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” Alcalá told the council.
Alcalá said she is the secretary on the chamber board.
“Isidro Valdez Fernandez is our president. He couldn’t be here; he is at home taking care of family,” she said.
Alcalá then welcomed City Manager Shawna Burkhart “to our beautiful city” and told Burkhart she has “an amazing council and staff.”
Alcalá then read a letter from Fernandez and the Hispanic chamber board to the mayor and council.
The letter read as follows:
“Dear Mayor Arreola and council members:
“During its monthly meetings, the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors places items on its agenda dealing with economic development, business, community service and, most important, national security issues. From our memberships’ perspectives, one of the important items on our agenda is the construction of the second international bridge. This project is not only one of the most important economic development and national security issues, its socio-economics benefits are immense. It is a necessity that is long overdue.
“As the long-awaited Ports-to-Plains project nears fruition, it is vital that our community properly positions itself for this potential economic boon. Sadly, if our community doesn’t position itself properly, Del Rio will be an afterthought in the future. We don’t want that. We ask that you take every step possible to ensure our community is not only ready to grow with the Ports-to-Plains project, but flourish on many other levels.
“The proposed second international bridge will enhance the connectivity of the Ports-to-Plains corridor for the economic growth and prosperity between the North American countries. It will also facilitate imports and exports, the efficient movement of goods, reducing cost and delivery times. The increased efficiency will make our region more attractive to businesses, encouraging investments and the stimulation of local economic growth.
“The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is always alert and supportive of employment opportunities and business enhancements. The construction phase of the proposed second international bridge alone will generate numerous employment opportunities. Once operational, it will require long-term jobs such as maintenance and operations. It also has the potential to strengthen our position as a key logistic hub for new business, creating further interest from different industries. Nevertheless, it will also boost the possibilities for more tourism and cultural exchanges.
“The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the city has demonstrated its commitment and due diligence for the responsible development of this important project and for that, we applaud you. We are also confident that the city has the ability to move this project forward with the support of the business community. There is no doubt that we will all benefit with the successful completion of the second international bridge.
“The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorses and urges the city of Del Rio to prioritize this project. Anything less would be a failure of leadership.
“We also invite others to express their support for this project by reaching out to local officials, attend meetings, submit letters of support and by any other opportunities or channels available.
“Thank you for your attention. We look forward to the success of this transformative initiative; the construction of the second international bridge,” Alcalá finished.
After she read the letter, Alcalá said, “Thank you so much for letting me express what is so important in our community, and we thank you for the efforts that have been put forward, because if I remember correctly, this has been an over 20-year project, and for me, it’s a project of love.”
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
