Category: Projects

Groundbreaking for PI Visitor & Events Center held 7/21

After a decade of planning the City of Port Isabel kicked off the Port Isabel Visitor and Events Center and Emergency Operation Center construction phase on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

Over 100 gathered including community members, elected officials and dignitaries as the first shovels ceremoniously turned site soil over. Remarks were offered by City Manager Edward P. Meza, Commissioner Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza, Mayor Joe E. Vega, Manuel Hinojosa (ERO Architects), George Lazado Project Engineer Fulcrum Engineering Services and Roel Gomez USDA Rural Development Area Director.

From Left to right ? Ron Lindsay, Colair Inc.; George Lazado, Project Engineer, Fulcrum Consulting Services; Edward Meza, City Manager; Guillermo ?Memo? Torres, City Commissioner and EDC Board Member; Maria de Jesus ?MJ? Garza, City Commissioner and EDC Board Member; Mayor Joe E. Vega and son; Inocente Zurita, EDC Board Member; Robin Ochoa, EDC Board Member; Mario Gonzalez- Davis, Special Projects Coordinator;Roel Gomez, USDA Rural Development Area Director; Glenda Stafford, Community Center Board Member; Manuel Hinojosa, Architect, Ero Architects.

PROGRAM:
Welcome Address- Edward P. Meza, City Manager
Invocation- Commissioner Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza
Color Guard Presentation & Pledge of Allegiance- U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard
Speakers- Mayor Joe. E. Vega, USDA Rural Development State Director representatives, Manuel Hinojosa (ERO Architects)
Groundbreaking-Mayor Joe E. Vega, City Commissioners, EDC Board Members, Community Center Committee Members
Benediction- George Paterson, City Chaplain
Closing- Edward P. Meza, City Manager

Slideshow:

SPECIAL THANKS
Mayor Joe E. Vega, Commissioner Juan Jose “JJ” Zamora, Commissioner Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza, Commissioner Martin C. Cantu, Commissioner Guillermo “Memo” Torres, City Manager Edward P. Meza City Secretary Susie Alcocer, Grant Consultant / Project Manager Mario Gonzales-Davis, EDC Administrator Janie Villarreal, Building Inspector Larry R. Ellis, Finance Director Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, Public Works Director Baldemar Alaniz, Public Works Department, Valerie Bates Marketing Director, George Paterson City Chaplain. Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation: Scott Friedman, Chairman; Guillermo “Memo” Torres, Vice-Chairman; Inocente Zurita, Secretary; Robin S. Ochoa Treasurer; Juan Jose “JJ” Zamora, Board Member; Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza, Board Member; Larry R. Ellis, Board Member. Port Isabel Community Center Committee: Alta Monroe, Scott Friedman, Betty Wells, Robert Horton, Glenda Stafford, City Manager Edward P. Meza, Commissioner Guilllermo “Memo” Torres. USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development Area Director Roel Gomez Fulcrum Consulting Services George Lazaro, ERO Architects Manuel Hinojosa, Ero Architects John L. Milner, Colair, Inc. Ron Lindsay.

by on July 22, 2012
filed in Projects, Reception
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Port Isabel Visitor, Events & EO Center Groundbreaking 7/21 10a

City of Port Isabel Visitor & Events Center and Emergency Operations Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

Mayor Joe E. Vega and the Port Isabel City Commission cordially invite the public to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the long anticipated new City of Port Isabel Visitor & Events Center and Emergency Operations Center. The event will be held Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the future site of the events center located at 309 Railroad Avenue across from the Port Isabel Historical Museum (Champion Building).

The City of Port Isabel was successful in obtaining a low interest loan from the USDA Rural Development in the amount of $4,000,000 allowing for the new building of a visitor & event center and the emergency operations center. The Port Isabel City Commission contracted ERO Architects for design, Fulcrum Consulting Services for engineering and Colair, Inc. as the general contractor.

The Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation invested approximately $1,500,000 toward the building of this new facility. The Port Isabel Visitor and Events Center consist of 19,000 square feet and will accommodate approximately 800 in a theatre setting and up to 600 in a luncheon setting.

City Manager Edward Meza stated, “We thank the Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation for their partnership and support of this project as well as USDA for their loan to the City. We invite everyone to the groundbreaking event. The center will add to the economic development of the City, especially in the historical, arts and cultural district”.

Port Isabel Mayor Joe E. Vega had these comments, “I would like to thank the USDA for providing the loan opportunity to build the new event center and EOC (Emergency Operations Center) for our great city of Port Isabel. Not only will the Center serve as a shelter during emergency situations, but it will also serve as a place to gather to celebrate family festivities such as birthday parties, weddings and quincenarias. This new event center will also allow for more economic opportunities by bringing trade shows, conferences and cultural arts programs to the area thus improving the quality of life for our citizens. This new project brings lots of excitement and a new chapter in our community. I have received an overwhelming show of support from our citizens expressing that Port Isabel is moving in the right direction.”

by on July 13, 2012
filed in City, News, Projects
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Visitor & Events Center 7/21 10a

by on July 6, 2012
filed in News, Projects

Board of Directors Port Isabel Public Improvement District #1 June 21, 2012 10:30 am

Notice of a Board of Directors Port Isabel Public Improvement District #1 Meeting Thursday, June 21, 2012 10:30 am20120621 PID Agenda

by on June 15, 2012
filed in Projects, Regular Meeting

Unveiling of the New Light Upgrades Little League Field 11/17

The City of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund join the community in celebrating new light upgrades at the Little League Field at Laguna Madre Park. Pictured at left are the partners who made this project a reality. City of Port Isabel, City Commission, Little League Association, Port Isabel EDC, Grant Writer Margie Jacobs, Baseball Tomorrow Fund and the Parks & Recreation Board.

Ceremony:
Welcome: Edward P. Meza, City Manager. Invocation by Commissioner MJ Garza (pictured below); Pledge of Allegiance by the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Madre(pictured below); Unveiling by Mayor Joe E. Vega (pictured below); Meghan Chisholm, Baseball Tomorrow Fund(pictured below); Baldemar Alaniz, Chairman Parks & Recreation Board(pictured below); Raul Loera, President Little League Association.

by on November 18, 2011
filed in City, Projects
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Unveiling light upgrades Laguna Madre Park 11/17 6:30p

See program:20111117_btf-program

by on November 3, 2011
filed in News, Projects
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Need Home Improvements? Call CDCB To Make An Appointment!

See full program details here:http://portisabel-texas.com/edc/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011-homerepairprogram.pdf

by on September 14, 2011
filed in Projects
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Pompano Park Public Boat Ramp Now Open!

The ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Pompano Park Public Boat Ramp on Saturday, June 4th, marked the reopening of the new and improved facility. Heavily damaged during Hurricane Dolly, the boat ramp had to be closed during the repairs and improvements. New 15′ wide transient boat slips, a new parking lot and picnic area and new public restrooms are among the repairs and improvements. And coming soon, solar powered lights.

A welcome address was offered by Edward P. Meza, City Manager; followed by an opening prayer and blessing of the boat ramp by Father Gerry Barrett, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and Sgt. Hammond, U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard with a presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance.

Speakers included Port Isabel Mayor Joe E. Vega and Andy Goldbloom with Texas Parks & Wildlife. Closing the ceremony was Pastor Don Ceglar, Christ’s Harbor Church and Edward Meza, City Manager.

Following the ribbon cutting, James Dunk, Texas parks & Wildlife Game Warden backed an agency boat and trailer into the channel to mark the first official boat launch.

For information on parking and transient boat slip usage, please call the Port Isabel City Hall at 956/943-2682 or email salcocer@copitx.com.

Slideshow:

SPECIAL THANKS: Mayor Joe E. Vega, Commissioner Juan Jose “JJ” Zamora, Commissioner Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza, Commissioner Martin C. Cantu, Commissioner Guillermo “Memo” Torres, City Manager Edward P. Meza, City Secretary Susie Alcocer, Building Inspector/Project Manager Larry R. Ellis, EDC Administrator Janie Villarreal, Grant Consultant Mario Gonzalez-Davis, Public Works Director Baldemar Alaniz, Public Works Department, Marketing Director Valerie Bates.

Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation: Scott Friedman, Chairman; Guillermo “Memo” Torres, Vice-Chairman; Inocente Zurita, Secretary; Robin S. Ochoa, Treasurer; Martin C. Cantu, Board Member.

Port Isabel Parks & Recreation: Baldamar Alaniz, Chairman; Raul Loera, Jr., Vice Chairman; Lupita Gonzalez, Secretary; Everett Sagnes, Board Member; Mart Guillot, Board Member.

Port Isabel Harbor Committee, Andy Goldbloom (Texas Parks & Wildlife), James Dunk (Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Warden), David Mendez (Gomez Mendez Saenz), H2O Construction Services, Inc., Father Gerry Barrett (OLSS Catholic Church), Pastor Don Ceglar (Christ’s Harbor Church), James Godfrey, Colonel William Maples, Port Isabel Yacht Club Association, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Daniel Bryant (Breakaway Cruises).

by on June 4, 2011
filed in Projects
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Pompano Park Public Boat Ramp Improvements Ribbon Cutting 6/4 10a

Mayor Joe E. Vega and the Port Isabel City Commissioners invite the public to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Pompano Park Public Boat Ramp Improvements. The event will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Pompano Park located 1 Pompano Avenue. The City of Port Isabel is excited and proud to commemorate the improvements of the Pompano Park Public Boat Ramp. Pompano Park is located in Modern Venice adjacent to the Laguna Madre Bay and is operated by the City of Port Isabel. The Pompano Park Boat Ramp is one of few public boat launching facilities available in the Laguna Madre area.

The City of Port Isabel was successful in obtaining grant funds that allowed making the necessary improvements. The Port Isabel City Commission contracted Gomez Mendez Saenz for design & engineering services and H2O Construction Services, Inc. for the improvements which include: renovations and improvements to the boat launching area, parking area, bulkheads, restrooms, utilities and installation of solar lighting. Funds received also covered new construction for a fish cleaning station, courtesy dock and transient docks.

“Fishing is such an important part of what Port Isabel has to offer and having the new improved boat ramp back in business will make access to the Laguna Madre Bay safer and the great fishing we are known for so convenient for visitors and anglers to enjoy. We appreciate the partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on this new project,” Mayor Joe E. Vega added.

The total construction cost of these improvements was approximately $666,667 which $500,000 came from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating Access Grant Program, $115,000 from the Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation and $51,667 came from the City of Port Isabel.

For more information contact the Port Isabel City Hall at 956/943-2682.

by on May 27, 2011
filed in Dedication, Projects
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Port Isabel Receives USDA Grant Check

In a ceremony at Port Isabel’s Treasure of the Gulf Museum, dignitaries were on hand to receive a USDA ceremonial check in the amount of $4,000,000. Funds will be used to build a new community and event center on the grounds of the Museum complex and Railroad Park. Mayor Vega thanked City Staff and USDA representatives for their hard work and perseverance as Port Isabel is one step closer to the construction of a Community and Event Center.

Pictured: Janie Villarreal, PIEDC Administrator; Susie Alcocer, City Secretary; Mario Gonzalez-Davis, Grant Consultant; Maria de Jesus “MJ” Garza, City Commissioner; Edward Meza, City Manager; Joe E. Vega, Mayor; Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director; Guillermo “Memo” Torres, City Manager; Paula Rodriguez, USDA; and Jake Sheeran, USDA Area Director at the presentation of the ceremonial check.

USDA PRESS RELEASE:
PORT ISABEL TO BENEFIT FROM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING
Date: May 19, 2011
Contact Name: Jake Sheeran
Release Number TX 209.11
Email: jake.sheeran@tx.usda.gov

PORT ISABEL, TEXAS, MAY 19, 2011 – USDA Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, and Area Director, Jake Sheeran, presented a ceremonial check to the City of Port Isabel today. The $4,000,000 loan will be funded through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility program.

“We need to ensure community services are able to keep pace with the increase in populations of rural communities every year,” said Valentin. “USDA Rural Development is pleased to offer funding to the City of Port Isabel for a new Community Center, which will provide an outlet for events, as well as serve as a shelter during inclement weather for a growing population of rural residents.”

“I would like to thank the USDA for providing the loan opportunity to build the new event Center and EOC (Emergency Command Center) for our great city of Port Isabel,” said Port Isabel Mayor Joe Vega. “Not only will this serve as a shelter during emergency situations, but will also serve as a place to celebrate family gatherings such as birthday parties, weddings and quincenarias. This new event center will also allow us more economic opportunities by bringing trade shows, conferences and cultural arts programs to the area and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”

Funding provided through USDA Rural Development will be used to construct a new 22,000 square foot multi-purpose building to be used for community events. The building will host large conference rooms for community gatherings and also serve as an emergency command center and shelter for rural residents during emergency situations, such as hurricanes. The project will benefit over 1,300 community members in the immediate area.

In Fiscal Year 2010, over $62 million in Community Facility loans and grants were obligated in Texas. The USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include libraries, child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.

USDA Rural Development strives to see that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy by providing technical assistance, funding, and other programs that help rural Americans build strong economies to improve their quality of life. For further information regarding USDA Rural Development Programs, contact the Edinburg office at 956-383-4928, Extension 4, or visit our website at http://rurdev.usda.gov/tx/.

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by on May 19, 2011
filed in News, Projects
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