Commission rejects engineer selection for Arroyo Colorado trail planning after heated debate over eminent domain and match requirements

The Harlingen City Commission declined to authorize the city manager to negotiate with the top‑ranked engineering firm for the Arroyo Colorado hike‑and‑bike trail extension (Phase 3), following a contentious discussion about property impacts and grant match obligations.

Parks & Recreation Director Javier Mendez explained the RFQ process and said four proposals were received; an evaluation committee ranked the firms and staff recommended awarding professional engineering services to the top‑ranked firm. Commissioners asked to see the ranking tabulation; a couple of commissioners expressed that TxDOT had previously asked the city to change procurement policy language for federal projects, and several members emphasized concerns about eminent domain and the potential need to purchase property from multiple owners along the proposed route.

Commissioners discussed the grant’s structure, with staff noting a 25% local match for the planning work. One commissioner strongly opposed the project citing eminent domain and expressed repeated, forceful opposition. After a motion and vote, the roll/voice vote resulted in multiple ayes and multiple nos and, per the chair, the motion failed: "It dies. It just failed." Staff noted the ranking was available but some commissioners said they had only just received it in the room.

Because the commission did not approve award authority, staff will not proceed with negotiations; if the project is to move forward, commissioners directed clarification of the ranking documentation and further discussion about property‑acquisition risks and match funding.