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Border bridge renamed Weslaco-Progreso International Bridge
Crossing collects more in liquor taxes than any other in state

By EMMA CLARK
Mid Valley Town Crier

WESLACO, December 10, 2006 — Christmas came early for the city of Weslaco, Mayor Joe Sanchez said last week when he announced the renaming of the Progreso International Bridge to the Weslaco-Progreso International Bridge.

Sanchez also announced that the city had entered into a right of first refusal agreement with the current owner of the bridge, Sam Sparks. This means that if Sparks decides to sell the bridge, Weslaco will be the first buyer on the list.

“This will prove to be both advantageous for the city of Weslaco and the Progreso bridge. When the bridge is offered for sale, we want Weslaco to own the bridge. ...” Sparks told local business people gathered in the city’s legislative chambers.

Sparks noted that the Weslaco-Progreso International Bridge brings in more liquor tax revenue than the cumulative amount of all the bridges stretching from Brownsville to El Paso.

Weslaco City Manager Anthony Covacevich estimated there are about 1.6 million crossings per year, by car, on foot and truck. But he said the city is not it the agreement for the money.

“The bridge is not so much a revenue issue that we’re looking at. It’s an international economy that we’re looking at,” said Covacevich. “We’re looking at the eco-tourism in the area. And the commerce with Mexico, our neighbor.”

Hernan Gonzalez, Weslaco’s Economic Development Corporation executive director agreed.

“We now know and understand the benefit of international trade. It’s a great day,”

Donna Mayor Rick Morales said the more bridges in the area, the better. The Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge is set for ground breaking in January, he said.

“We need bridges, not walls,” said Morales. “Walls divide and bridges unite. This is a testament to Mayor Sanchez’s leadership. It’s the beginning of an era.”

As to speculation of when the bridge might be sold to the city, Sanchez said it could be sooner rather than later.

“In a few years, I think it will happen,” said Sanchez.

Covacevich said there are more projects in the works.

“There are some things we’re going to be doing in the vicinity of the bridge in conjunction with the bridge and we’re looking forward to increase the volume of the bridge to make it a better bridge because the money we invest, it’s going to be a big return for us when we do actually purchase the bridge,” he said.

Weslaco was Sparks’ number one choice.

“I see this building and the nice politics Weslaco’s got and I can’t think of any other city in the Valley I’d rather align ourselves with,” said Sparks. “Weslaco has a lot of clout in a lot of places and we’ll be calling on you for what is best for our mutual interest.”

The bridge was constructed in 1952 by B&P Bridge Company after a flood destroyed the original suspension bridge connecting Rio Roco, Mexico to the United States. Sparks acquired the bridge in 1984, and was renovated to six lanes in 2003.

Commissioner Buddy De La Rosa explained that the bridge offers something the other bridges across the Valley can’t.

“There’s a greater level of security. It’s the number one pedestrian bridge. It’s a commercial center, and it’s that closeness that you don’t find in Reynosa or Matamoros or Nuevo Laredo,” he said.

Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission has personnel stationed at the bridges along the Texas-Mexico border to collect the state taxes on the importation of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes for personal use. The following chart shows that Progreso collected over one-quarter of the total for all revenue collections during Sept 1, 2005, through Aug. 31, 2006.

Port
Revenue Collected FY2006
———————————————
El Paso
$544,184.00

Laredo
$727,138.62

Hidalgo
$402,160.17

Brownsville
$443,181.02

Del Rio
$136,978.45

Eagle Pass
$249,105.89

Progreso
$1,064,386.16

Roma
$88,489.35

TOTAL
$3,655,623.66