[{"_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",6634231,"mediaKeyId","2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e","parentId",2769229,"title","Cameron County approves grant consultant and commits funds for Bejarano McFarland park improvements, subject to waiver","audioSeconds",834,"startMs",4046000,"endMs",4880000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e&start=4046&end=4880","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e/thumbnail_4046000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634231/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-approves-grant-consultant-and-commits-funds-for-Bejarano-McFarland-park-improvements-subject-to-waiver","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634231-16d1c5c9e98c4fd15e27bd35977631ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940068&Signature=VQk7IPp7xoGGGb3QxhIA2Hai6ZSvRQRMrlEMKxy-FG2xKdGEUZgDgGKF0hfALgWzbvk1QGzlUB44ix15n7AWekAIrByKj10WBeqF2RcYDMms25BqvYbHPaTfthhCWafC0Oi-yD0vpBiFhWTBqBN7kYjd~LnpTBcai3xziBmwu9wgTsyvnDdh5gEysKQoZrwG25lXUd8S0CyfpOKNTqPmGK1vvFeczrAMSmbIwyaSsG5t9JNVhIN92cfEGVXU1Tgw692nh7rH-bCy-w47HaLQHTItRWBO7oLyzFMclgm5v68aNaiBVsTKVMRl3Xqkpkj3PH~qIcVgx3PSzMtIx2Uewg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cameron","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved hiring Alexander Business Development to help prepare and submit a Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Park Non-Urban Outdoor grant application for phase 2 improvements at Bejarano McFarland Memorial Park, and approved a county commitment toward the grant match — both approvals were made contingent on required waivers.

County staff explained the county has already approved purchase of additional property intended to serve as the local match for the Parks & Wildlife grant, but the state and the federal program both require a waiver of retroactivity for recently acquired land to be used as match. County staff requested that the court approve the consultant agreement to prepare the grant and authorize a commitment of county funds for the match if the waiver is granted.

“Subject to the waiver of reciprocity being given to us,” Commissioner Gadsden moved to approve the consultant agreement; Commissioner Reese seconded the motion. The court approved the consultant contract with the condition that the waiver be approved before the county signs or finalizes the purchase as match.

Separately, the court approved item M to apply for the Parks & Wildlife local park non-urban outdoor grant and to provide a commitment toward the local match. During the discussion county staff and commissioners debated the total local-match obligations across recent park projects and noted other park infrastructure projects (Isla Blanca electrical and sewer work) have increased capital needs; staff said they are researching funding sources and value-engineering prior to bidding those projects.

County staff said they will work with Texas Parks & Wildlife to expedite the waiver and complete required documentation; the county judge and staff were directed to follow up with the sellers and the state so approvals can move forward. The court did not take any immediate property-closing actions without the state waiver in hand.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cameron - Commissioner's Court - Mar 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commissioners approved hiring a consultant to prepare a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant application and committed county match funds for phase 2 improvements to Bejarano McFarland Memorial Park, contingent on state/federal waiver of retroactivity for use of recently purchased land as match.","taxTitle","Cameron County, Texas","taxId",2694,"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},6634236,"Brownsville-Cameron County pilot to replace rural Route 30 with subsidized Uber service is tabled for more information",843,1999000,2842000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e&start=1999&end=2842","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e/thumbnail_1999000.jpg","/articles/6634236/Cameron-County/Texas/Brownsville-Cameron-County-pilot-to-replace-rural-Route-30-with-subsidized-Uber-service-is-tabled-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634236-43d54061684e6510d4cb38f30ca99c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940068&Signature=ZR9ChwSCaeM1oqk2Il-et7YhMHfkThTwlGKPEmIkrkAhbvfSgpKjqJOJHBvahGrcjsNh1vhnAbqaANJsiDVKMtMUTEjCWjRFeoUdaUr~Kv44JWiG2AydQ5dHjfpPCdZuBpBbqzBtxXm13ZQcx3TX2sXevJrV5gojRzCAt9NmrK6eH5QIz-WKROiiulcoZpgkyr-McoK4Da8zOQWyNPdXnejOhb~dvSUyK8J0D-0r8mtosKbOLQ4iSdaWD2R5OR9ZmVN9pvwoMXJdqk~gUPKxXV4yCAnCDE3zlLsP9mZYM9SPDGZmGbOM~1ePi4M98ZJ5SQ3bcY7tGVLUf75pAL12rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday discussed a proposed pilot program to replace fixed-route transit service (Route 30) with a Trips/Uber subsidized on-demand service for a rural area east of the Brownsville airport. Presenters said the pilot would run up to 18 months, provide door-to-door trips in the defined geofenced zone, and allow the city and county to subsidize up to $10 per ride while passengers would pay $2, the same base fare as the fixed-route service.

Joel Garza, multimodal transportation director for the City of Brownsville, told the court the program would be a cost-saving experiment compared with the current Route 30 fixed schedule. He said the city and county would split the pilot cost; staff estimated a total pilot cost up to $30,000 for 12 months and asked the court to split that cost 50/50. Garza said the pilot would eliminate the existing Route 30 fixed service if implemented and provide a 1-800 call-in option for riders without smartphones. \"They'll pull up the app, and the city and the county would subsidize up to $10 for that ride,\" Garza said.

Commissioners pressed staff on accessibility, language barriers and whether sufficient Uber drivers operate in the area. Brownsville staff said the vendor (Trips) has experience in other Texas cities and that the vendor and Uber data indicated sufficient driver capacity for the zone; staff also said ADA and paratransit needs would be coordinated with existing county services.

Several commissioners expressed concern about narrowing the subsidy to a single zone rather than offering countywide support, the potential for riders to use the subsidy outside the intended zone, and how the change would be publicized. One commissioner noted the current Route 30 averages roughly seven riders per day while costing about $111,000 annually; another commissioner said that if the pilot cost $30,000 and is unused it would be a savings.

After discussion the court voted to table the item to allow more local review and for city and county staff to provide additional information. Commissioner Benavides moved to table and Commissioner Lopez seconded. The court recorded one abstention before the motion passed.","City of Brownsville staff proposed an 18-month pilot with Trips/Uber to replace fixed Route 30 bus service in a rural zone; the court asked for more information and voted to table the request with one abstention noted.",{"_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},6634241,"Cameron County adopts resolution supporting HCR 76 and local shrimpers",180,920000,1100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e&start=920&end=1100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e/thumbnail_920000.jpg","/articles/6634241/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-adopts-resolution-supporting-HCR-76-and-local-shrimpers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634241-2ef2fb8786dff79d8565e7908c6b40b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940068&Signature=Is11TJa6Ym65VS-Og80KWwZjkM~8nLB9dZFLdpeFZN41V89IbN8oAUU62Zq2Ctf2BshQTbBXqECV6VBw4gqKulccGflZurLQBdUTfXTWyV30hTR1bXWhrXwxuVdiEkswkWEcXwqpMRXghvw-Lj9F0Nz1KKTXpi86-kSKHvq2zbYZ2~nFP7wTbzfGYF~P1IYCQrBQlMdszbDNCPmflxwxWdbA2DKeuhW0c~TCFvp1YP~u0RQcVfUeJlpYJWDwJWGzPEyZUCk58vesRJ3GD85IB4lK8znUTEeYUMertF48gPb3nnizmGHp4-YFVFyTDktFdKLTOyDwR5n9O-lUrKEt5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cameron County Commissioners Court on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution supporting House Concurrent Resolution 76 (HCR 76), a measure the court described as designed to help local shrimpers affected by foreign imports and regulatory pressures.

County Judge Eddie Thirvinga Jr. introduced the item and recalled a time when the region’s shrimp fleet was among the largest in the world. “It’s a shame, because that is an industry that was home to Brownsville and something that we were very, very proud of,” the judge said while describing economic and cultural ties to local shrimping.

Delvia, identified in the meeting as the daughter of a shrimper, thanked the court for the resolution and said the industry’s struggles had “broken my heart.” “So I'm very, very grateful to all the court for their support … we can just hope and pray that it will get passed, and that the shrimpers will get the support that they need to make their life, their livelihood continue and support their families,” she said.

Commissioner Garza moved approval and Commissioner Lopez seconded. The court voted in favor; no “no” votes were announced.

The resolution directs county leaders to express support for HCR 76 and to notify state legislators of the county’s position. The court framed the resolution as a local show of support while legislators consider measures addressing import competition and regulatory issues affecting the shrimping industry.

No funding or policy changes were approved by the court during this item; it is an expression of the county’s position.","The court voted to approve a resolution supporting HCR 76, a measure aimed at protecting local shrimpers, with personal remarks from a local shrimper’s daughter and unanimous approval by the commissioners present.",{"_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},6634248,"Cameron County adopts resolution opposing state bill that would shift Boca Chica closure authority",679,220000,899000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e&start=220&end=899","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769229-00dedac2de08151e19e8760fd2fcd74e/thumbnail_220000.jpg","/articles/6634248/Cameron-County/Texas/Cameron-County-adopts-resolution-opposing-state-bill-that-would-shift-Boca-Chica-closure-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634248-2269e12b831675ba386629fa81b41a85/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940068&Signature=eMviPOazSgZS6zANgiAc5o~U9XB8rMXdRvUTI3CKMoYA5QlK-h4jzKilAp1l7KVvlWUUqATcI8Zmm3Pg8sa24ggcgoOBh5k7SKGijL4tMlLe5hFII6Mmj6wR7nnioCLVW4Q-W7Ba22wXJDRJaIrbtV7pGp8JPh6cF5OahduGxzVzg8RiRLLR1dCpa2ezaWkQta7NJQ-takFRESvV64vDbb2Nug60th5k8l8qbRpMlfVpiTDf53Sl5RBN6raoO7YgFvn00AZQ8wEq5W-khoKqpEycH-trddSe-cgJlkS9lRGG6j4nInZJp~wmdEiMG-RhymxOFx8pV4YbnFzFvUtfcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cameron County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2188, which would shift authority over temporary closures at State Highway 4 and Boca Chica Beach from Cameron County to a newly incorporated local entity. The court approved the resolution by voice vote after a short discussion and comments from several commissioners.

County Judge Eddie Thirvinga Jr. told the court that Cameron County’s existing agreement with SpaceX, first signed in 2013, and the county’s current process for authorizing temporary closures have balanced public access and the company’s operations. “We don't think that the system is broken. We think that having Cameron County continue to be the steward and the authority with regards to the closures should be continued,” Thirvinga said.

The judge said the county learned of the bill about 10 days earlier and had lodged objections with the chair of the House Natural Resources committee after missing a hearing in Austin. He called on residents to contact state lawmakers about the measure. “If it's not broken there's no need to fix it,” he said.

Commissioners who spoke during the discussion generally praised the county’s management of access around SpaceX operations while noting concerns about environmental impacts and weekend closures. One commissioner said weekend closures — particularly during the May–Labor Day season — should be “few and far between” and used only as needed. Another commissioner questioned why the proposed legislation would remove weekend responsibility from the company and put closure authority on local government, and noted the Texas General Land Office (GLO) was not mentioned in the draft bill.

Motion to adopt the resolution was made by Commissioner Benavides and seconded by Commissioner Lopez. The court called for the question and approved the resolution by voice vote; no recorded “no” votes were announced.

The judge and several commissioners emphasized they intend to continue working with SpaceX and with state and local lawmakers regardless of the bill’s outcome. The county also noted the long-standing economic benefits SpaceX has brought to the region alongside continuing concerns about public access and environmental stewardship.

The court placed the resolution on the record to ensure its opposition is transmitted to legislative committees and local representatives.

(For context: the county’s original 2013 agreement with SpaceX and related enabling legislation took effect in September 2013.)","Cameron County Commissioners Court voted to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2188, saying local arrangements with SpaceX have worked and that county control over temporary road and beach closures should remain local.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cameron County approves grant consultant and commits funds for Bejarano McFarland park improvements, subject to waiver

Brownsville-Cameron County pilot to replace rural Route 30 with subsidized Uber service is tabled for more information

Cameron County adopts resolution supporting HCR 76 and local shrimpers

Cameron County adopts resolution opposing state bill that would shift Boca Chica closure authority