[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6661732,"mediaKeyId","2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9","parentId",2406115,"title","RMA, county dispute primacy over Western Hidalgo County Loop; board tables then restores resolution for further review","audioSeconds",3538,"startMs",2915000,"endMs",6453000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9&start=2915&end=6453","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9/thumbnail_2915000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6661732/Pharr/Hidalgo-County/Texas/RMA-county-dispute-primacy-over-Western-Hidalgo-County-Loop-board-tables-then-restores-resolution-for-further-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661732-627dede8035288cd7e3eaa0379b4b4fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770962555&Signature=LXqERdyShtwpWXa3XRP5G1bIb9cZ7orRTwAwL4FCt7XG~aAjjkT1hiWd8l0jHqFNibh5y~hqsYJGj5fWtzAl5nPonP8zzSsRL7tYoVCzztM220A7FS5uasO2eG4De03AfWseREB8ibmlkFyKTJJXf2zqJFbnh4mDWV60ruDVucI1vG29MGHj-vTNYCoHd27aNyi-Hj2tWxzmQN6BL6y3jFR1CvcLhzd3axuvq1YbUHF22UlU3jbl3b6I0YsZ96ycgcSy0RLmqh~bWWtcYeFovrHRKP9q0mLnfupYzIkTMEtNmVXtAXVEtW72gezvhwETybKiA3ZjT4cAyztAmEfeoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Pharr, Texas","date","2025-02-26T19:19:22.927Z","article","Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Chairman Robert El Lozano reported to the board that Hidalgo County has asked the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization to exercise project sponsorship for portions of the Western Hidalgo County Loop, a corridor included in the RMA'025\f2029 strategic plan.

\"It's our understanding that they have proceeded to request of the MPO to, you know, exercise authority, over that portion of the loop,\" El Lozano said during the chairman's report. He said the RMA had previously met with county leadership and stakeholders and had proposed a partnership framework. \"From my perspective, I believed that the RMA's single focus of, you know, the transportation projects that are going on or will be going on. This is what the RMA is for, and feel very good, supporting that,\" El Lozano said.

Board members asked staff what \"exercise authority\" meant in practice; staff said it relates to which entity would act as project sponsor and who would lead predevelopment and funding efforts. A staff member said the RMA had not yet defined any monetary-participation lines and that discussions with municipalities and county officials were ongoing.

At the regular-agenda consideration of resolution 2025-15 (a resolution acknowledging the RMA's 2025\f2029 strategic plan and asserting primacy over the Hidalgo County Loop), one director moved to table the resolution. The motion to table passed on voice vote.

The board then entered executive session to consult with counsel on a set of legal issues related to project development, board appointments, overweight permits and other matters. After returning from executive session, the board voted to remove the resolution from the table; the record does not show a final vote adopting the resolution at that meeting.

Why this matters: project sponsorship determines which public body controls routing, predevelopment, environmental clearances and funding strategy for major transportation corridors. A question about whether a county can assume sponsorship of projects already on an authority strategic plan raises legal and procedural issues that the board said required counsel review.

Board members noted the MPO had a meeting scheduled the next day and that county staff planned to seek MPO action. The RMA did not dispute the need for interagency coordination but sought clarity on legal authority and the precise nature of any county proposal before taking a final public position.

No final resolution asserting RMA primacy was approved at the meeting; staff said discussions would continue and legal counsel would advise the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HCRMA Meeting Feb 25, 2025 | City of Pharr","oneSentenceSummary","The RMA said Hidalgo County has asked the regional MPO to sponsor parts of the Western Hidalgo County Loop; the board tabled, then placed back on the agenda, a resolution asserting RMA primacy and held an executive-session consultation with counsel.","taxTitle","Pharr, Hidalgo County, Texas","taxId",2804,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661737,"365 Tollway: RMA approves initial forensic testing; construction 58% paid, board warned retesting could cost $1.5M—$3M",122,5223000,5101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9&start=5223&end=5101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9/thumbnail_5223000.jpg","/articles/6661737/Pharr/Hidalgo-County/Texas/365-Tollway-RMA-approves-initial-forensic-testing-construction-58-paid-board-warned-retesting-could-cost-15M3M","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661737-0a9a2faa02cc92b9384f80c178285c75/orig.mp4?Expires=1770962555&Signature=Ig36KobbyTRfIekfXFYywd1QiQb9~~4-zcdkM-ToYor6z2hd53LB~y~r7elr7V6ZFOPhiSlDPPbax9xZLtSYDcbN0t2mu3ixDV7q-FX51GB5chwU143GrmK1beJFcpU~xgQykOpeC5aBpqDiKaXG2hx58m5qIyBrRM~GNgQ3i9q~KQfRD6nB6GZiD79Ga~o2EUScwYj83sSJ~c9XDX8CdfozCxPjNBONcNz63VWRMdTXsy8sqrlWuwuJt-bp7NbUXQ7H2s6qr5~G0N2Pxkf89H4e0-x2QvCDWB-disRSwb82GXBKxYGd2foO135m53CG0axmMwc3Zm0Q3VlC-dBfSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority board on Feb. 2025 authorized an initial forensic and verification testing work authorization and heard construction updates showing about 58% of contract value paid to date for the 365 Tollway project. Staff warned that verifying the prior lab's work could cost between $1.5 million and $3 million depending on the extent of sampling required.

The board approved work authorization No. 1 to Aster LP for a Phase 1 verification report to TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration for the construction-materials testing program; staff reported the work authorization value at $167,000 and recommended approval. \"This work authorization is in the amount of a hundred and 67,000. Staff recommends approval,\" staff said during the meeting; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Chief construction engineer Ramon Navarro gave the construction status: the RMA has paid $155,376,811 to date (about 58.28% of contract value) and the next pay application would raise that to roughly 60% paid. Navarro said the project has used about 85% of the contract time and the authority expects a contractor request for approximately a 100-day time extension. The board was told the authority has issued 15 change orders, received 235 RFIs and processed 231 submittals.

Navarro reviewed separate work streams: a wetland mitigation site (about 68% complete), toll integration and the first toll gantry location planned at Glasscock Road, and ongoing embankment, substructure and irrigation crossing work. He said the toll integration contractor is 13.6% complete and that initial gantry erection and factory acceptance testing are scheduled for early March.

On the materials-testing issue, staff described a two-step approach: submit a representative-sampling plan for TxDOT and FHWA approval rather than retesting every structure. \"We're proposing to do representative sampling and not go test every single structure or every single slab, and that's for them to accept our plan,\" staff said when explaining the work authorization. Staff further explained that a full retest of every element would approach the higher cost estimate.

The board also approved construction-support services from HDR Engineering (supplemental work authorization) in the amount of $447,385.83 and amended HDR's contract maximum payable by the corresponding amount. Staff said HDR will continue to support review of submittals, resolve design-construction conflicts, and assist with toll and structural reviews.

Board members asked when toll collection will begin. Staff said tolls are scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2026, subject to construction and systems completion.

Why this matters: the material-testing verification affects regulatory acceptance by TxDOT and FHWA and could trigger costly rework if tests or construction elements fail verification. The project's schedule, pay status and the possibility of a time extension will affect costs, operations and the timeline to open the tolled facility.

No litigation or extraordinary remedial action was approved at the meeting; the actions taken were to fund verification sampling, continue construction oversight, and proceed with the toll-integration plan.","The Hidalgo County RMA authorized an initial $167,000 forensic testing plan and heard construction updates showing about $155.4 million paid to date on the 365 Tollway; staff estimated representative retesting at about $1.5 million and a full retest up to $3 million.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661741,"Hilltop Securities outlines financing structure, credit risks for Hidalgo County RMA toll project",1913,620000,2533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9&start=620&end=2533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9/thumbnail_620000.jpg","/articles/6661741/Pharr/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Hilltop-Securities-outlines-financing-structure-credit-risks-for-Hidalgo-County-RMA-toll-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661741-1c156835d09b7c3660196247c470eb15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770962555&Signature=eemcwyUoyTfv7yibHh-cYwETkPwWXaNibvCMycaNICWfDFJUVHEMOcZxr7Y7p6VYqbKIq6F7zJA6gXozXD0FPP0EK1FmGH56Zru0LEhJ4Oqj-g30KgqnXvxuSIl1ZD~w8ZmkmZ63e8C8thXovfFvwbjkmMblCUMXA3QPdH84KEiaILJ0lOqThXbmLn3NqknocU01y~zkVNxzXjHSTxtcka6piv0Z0Ht8Har8ple5HmQsZsRLRNF45nzZ6Fvl0KJMYjTHyuQ2BNrR7lHudUej-1ZIdEyD1-rCi2K6AEuh0IwMsuC1FucV52WdjBTTqWF-E1g72yn2cGEXYZJciVejMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hilltop Securities told the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority board on Feb. 2025 that the authority\furrently carries several series of debt tied to the 365 Tollway and related projects and that the largest near-term risk for investors is the revenue forecast for a greenfield toll facility.

Richard Ramirez, managing director at Hilltop Securities, said the authority has issued multiple series since inception and currently has about $279 million outstanding. Ramirez said the 2020 series are supported fully by vehicle-registration-fee (VRF) revenues while the 2022 series are supported by a combination of VRF and toll revenues. He added that VRF revenues make up roughly 25% of total revenues but cover about half of near-term debt service.

\"Well, the biggest thing is is the revenue forecast,\" Ramirez said, describing the challenge of predicting traffic for a toll road with no local tolling history. \"Investor has to look carefully, that traffic and revenue report that's certified.\"

Hilltop staff explained how rating agencies evaluate the authority: governance, the financial plan and debt position, and the local economy and usage patterns for toll facilities. Toll-linked bonds issued in 2022 were described as rated in the lower-investment-grade range (triple-B and triple-B minus), while the VRF-backed debt was rated higher (around double-A minus), reflecting the steadier nature of vehicle-registration revenues.

Colby Echols, Hilltop Securities, said the authority
lso has bond covenants requiring 1.25 times coverage for senior lien bonds and 1.2 times coverage on combined senior and junior liens, and that additional-bond tests apply before new debt can be issued. Ramirez noted that ratings typically start lower for new toll projects and can improve as toll collections mature.

Board members asked when legal or construction setbacks would affect ratings. Ramirez said material events must be disclosed through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board process and that the annual rating agency review can trigger on-the-spot inquiries if problems arise. \"If you delay opening and there's a big judgment against you, at whenever you have an event that's material, we have to report it,\" Ramirez said.

Why this matters: the authority is in the financing stage for a major region-scale toll project. Credit ratings, revenue forecasts and the mix of VRF and toll revenues will shape borrowing costs and investor demand, and therefore the RMA's ability to finance construction and service debt.

Board takeaways from the presentation included that ratings are assignment-dependent, that VRF provides a meaningful backstop in early years, and that the RMA must maintain clear, timely reporting and meet indenture covenants to reassure investors.

The Hilltop presentation covered bond structure, ratings, the role of financial advisers and underwriters, and the need for continuing disclosure to investors. Hilltop and the board also reviewed the authority's outstanding series and maturity schedules, and how toll rate escalation and traffic growth were assumed in long-term debt service plans.

The board did not take a financing vote during the presentation; the session was informational.","Hilltop Securities presented the RMA\u000board with the authority\rebt profile, bond ratings, and the principal risk for investors: traffic and revenue forecasts. Presenters described roughly $279 million outstanding and said vehicle-registration fees are an important revenue backstop for early years.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661728,"RMA reports $1.19M in January overweight-permit collections; applies to MPO for planning funds for West and East Loop studies",576,3740000,4316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9&start=3740&end=4316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2406115-4f694e06bad3926e6c2973f72130f4d9/thumbnail_3740000.jpg","/articles/6661728/Pharr/Hidalgo-County/Texas/RMA-reports-119M-in-January-overweight-permit-collections-applies-to-MPO-for-planning-funds-for-West-and-East-Loop-studies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661728-cae1ecfd988b15e8f05028dfbd33cf92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770962555&Signature=nTqgvDJ2QYu28FAgfdIUtFNUEbHW4twWB~r~7jsjswaHH5m-XlJ3w5hQB05t01MYpv7329ZkaIUZRAMZ0BcXyz-EYyCzPdLnu8GwEzN6XGIERWCrI~PtRjg6i5-ptYrVMjTb~1zLnjRehaIeBwo7JBIc0jqEELST4686RiUKlTf-eiU5xyRnO99UYjSKTOjZmrLzMz8SPNzPPC~jIOMJqYyX-toVPIAZ8KFy-1zeJRWB5DIp3867VsNXjUrhMmAaxegiHy6pgORKVnbUps~fPLg3PV0BEWdyTUr~EWB0sUpvK5W7qB3wbgIB91og2aYo2bHNAskgghZ4MGd2LH3wBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ruben Alfaro, program manager for the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, reported to the board on the authority's overweight-and-oversize permit program and planning-funding applications on Feb. 2025.

Alfaro said the RMA issued 5,795 permits in January, producing $1,186,096 in total collections; convenience fees accounted for $27,096. Of the total, $971,532 went to TxDOT for on-system roads, $13,618 went to local jurisdictions for off-system roads, and the RMA received $156,465. He noted January figures are seasonal and that the primary commodity is produce, which can produce month-to-month variation.

\"The numbers for January ... we collected a total amount of 5,795 permits, for a total of $1,186,096,\" Alfaro said. \"Of that ... the RMA received $156,465.\" He added that year-to-date historic totals since 2014 show 394,618 permits and $69,420,656 collected, of which the RMA's cumulative share is $9,047,646.

Alfaro also updated the board on outreach and planning funding: the authority applied to the Rio Grande Valley MPO on Feb. 6 for two planning funding lines. One is a Unified Planning Work Program item with $77,000 available; the other is the Transportation Planning Studies funding with $1.9 million available. The RMA applied for portions of the $1.9 million to fund Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) studies: one half for the West Loop and the other half for the East Loop. Alfaro said awards have not been announced and the MPO's review commission will make selections.

Staff said they are preparing a request for qualifications to secure environmental-consultant services for the RMA's strategic-plan projects and expected to post the RFQ after legal review.

Why this matters: overweight-permit revenue is an operational income stream the RMA uses for operations and early project work; planned PEL studies would refine routing alternatives and right-of-way needs and feed into environmental clearance and design work.

The board accepted the program report; staff will follow up with the MPO process and post the RFQ for environmental consultants.","Staff reported 5,795 overweight/oversize permits issued in January 2025, generating $1,186,096 in collections; the RMA received $156,465 of that. The authority applied to the Rio Grande Valley MPO for planning funds (one request for $77,000 and two requests split across $1.9 million) to fund PEL route studies for West and East Loop segments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

RMA, county dispute primacy over Western Hidalgo County Loop; board tables then restores resolution for further review

365 Tollway: RMA approves initial forensic testing; construction 58% paid, board warned retesting could cost $1.5M—$3M

Hilltop Securities outlines financing structure, credit risks for Hidalgo County RMA toll project

RMA reports $1.19M in January overweight-permit collections; applies to MPO for planning funds for West and East Loop studies