Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advocates for the Second International Bridge

Dora Alcala reads a statement from the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce advocating for the construction of the Second International Bridge during the City Council Meeting on September 24, 2024.

Former Mayor of Del Rio and current board member and secretary of the Del Rio chapter of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Dora Alcala addressed the mayor and city council on behalf of the chamber during the Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. 

Alcala read the following statement from the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce endorsing the second international bridge: 

“Dear Mayor Arreola and council members, 

During its monthly meetings, the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce places items on its agenda dealing with economic development, business, community service, and most importantly, national security issues. From our memberships’ perspective, one of the most important items on the agenda is the second international bridge. This project is not only one of the most important economic development and national security issues, its socioeconomic 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 boom. Sadly if our community doesn’t position itself properly, Del Rio can 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 flourishes 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, and you know, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, we work very closely and partner with them on many things and we both agree that economic growth and stimulation of local economic growth is absolutely essential if we are going to be moving forward. We want businesses to come and we want to be there to be supportive and to be there when they need us. The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce is always alert and supportive of employment opportunities and business enhancement. 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 businesses, creating further interest from other industries, nonetheless, it will also boost the opportunities 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. We are the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we represent many of our small, woman-owned, minority businesses. We’re there for them, we’re a small group but we’re always there when our businesses need us. There is no doubt that we will all benefit from the successful accomplishment 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, attending meetings, letters of support, and by any other opportunities or channels available. Thank you so much for your attention, we look forward to the success of this transformative initiative, the construction of the second international bridge. 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the board of directors, Isidrio Valdez Fernandez, President, and members of the board.” 

Many members of the community and council members are still divided on the viability and the logistics of the second international bridge and what the construction will mean for those currently residing in the proposed location, leading city and county officials to continue discussions before definite action can be taken. Connect Del Rio will follow this project as discussions continue and more information becomes available.