City officials present alternative to border fence on D.C. trip

City officials highlighted an alternative to the proposed fence between Brownsville and Matamoros in their trip to Washington D.C. to lobby federal officials and agencies on project and funding initiatives important to Brownsville.

Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr., commissioners Charlie Atkinson, Carlos Cisneros and Anthony Troiani traveled from Tuesday and Wednesday through Friday last week, presenting a united front.

Ahumada said that the success of the trip would be fully gauged later.

"I would consider it a great success when we get funding or our deals approved. It was a success as far as putting a plan together and going together as a unit to present our case," the mayor said.

"We did our part in making our message known," Ahumada said.

Atkinson also gave the trip high marks. "I think it was a success," he said. "Overall, we took good staff and had three commissioners and the mayor. It was pretty positive, a good thing for Brownsville. Hopefully people will work with us," Atkinson added.

Planner Ben Medina, airport director Larry Brown, BUS Director Norma Zamora and finance director Pete Gonzalez were among the staff members that accompanied the mayor on trip. Don Currie, executive director of the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville and Rev. Jerry Frank also went, seeking housing funds, Ahumada said.

The organized opposition to the proposed fence between both countries seems to be working and federal officials have indicated that the Dec. 31 deadline for construction of the fence can't be met.

"It makes us proud that landowners such as Dr. Eloisa Tamez have held their ground which is also helping Brownsville," Ahumada said of property owners affected by the fence proposal and the arbitrary taking of their lands.

Ahumada also noted that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must work with communities in "good faith" in addressing terrorism concerns and immigration.

Atkinson said the delegation again pitched the Brownsville Public Utilities Board's weir project as an alternative. Atkinson said federal officials told the group that, "if we keep pushing the weir, it might work out for us," and that there is not sufficient funding to finance the fence project.

The group envisions the weir as both presenting a barrier to illegal immigration as well as also as a catalyst for commercial development along the river.

Ahumada said he also made invaluable contacts in promoting a binational desalination plant and tire-recycling effort. "It gives us an opportunity to partner up with others," Ahumada said.

Atkinson said the city also is working toward establishing a dual-custom facility at the airport. Presently, Mexico customs has limited facilities at airports and the intent is to provide a facility for Mexican customs at the airport here. "That was important," Atkinson said.

Both agreed that the city must stay abreast of and engaged in developments in Washington D.C.

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Priorities city officials highlighted in a recent trip to Washington D.C.

>An alternative to the border fence.

>Continued funding for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board's weir project.

>Funding for the construction of housing for low-income families.

>Funding to upgrade the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.

>Monies to continue restoring resacas.

Source: Brownsville city officials