Regional Mobility Authority chair seeks closer coordination with Hidalgo County, highlights Western Loop priority

Robert L. Lozano, chairman of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), delivered an update on the RMA’s revised strategic plan and urged closer coordination between the RMA, Hidalgo County and local cities. He said improved alignment will increase the region’s competitiveness for limited state and federal transportation funds.

Lozano said the RMA’s updated plan puts priority focus on completing key segments of the Western Hidalgo County Loop, and he thanked the commissioners for asking the RMA to accelerate the work on those segments. He described the RMA’s legal ‘‘primacy’’ over transportation projects — saying the authority has responsibility to maintain readiness for competitive funding programs — and said the RMA is preparing an MOU that would define roles, responsibilities and communication protocols between the RMA and local governments.

Lozano said the RMA wants to build a more collaborative forum that would include the county, cities, TxDOT and the Metropolitan Planning Organization so stakeholders can prioritize and coordinate projects rather than operate in isolation. He said the RMA’s board has adjusted the strategic plan to emphasize completing Segment 4 of the Western Loop and to pursue pledged local funds and partnerships to accelerate delivery.

County Judge Richard Cortez responded that earlier communication and coordinated planning will reduce future costs and help preserve corridor alignments before development occurs. Lozano said he would continue outreach to county and neighboring‑county officials and that the RMA intends to finalize the MOU in the coming days.