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Starr County fighting to keep local TxDOT office
Posted: 03.30.2011 at 9:35 PM
Katie Lopez

Katie Lopez is a reporter for Action 4 News.

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On a daily basis thousands of vehicles pass through Rio Grande City and right in front of the Texas Department of Transportation field office.

"We need to be able to get in and out of our facility in order to address the traffic and roadway needs in the area," Director of Maintenance for TxDOT Pete Alvarez said.

Alvarez said the current field office site would be better suited for a commercial type development.

He said they did check out other areas in the county to relocate the office but in the end Los Arrieros won out.

"That maintenance office takes care of two counties, Zapata and Starr," Alvarez said. "It just makes operational sense for us to move the facility to that location to address the needs in Starr and Zapata counties."

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera disagrees with the move.

He said the move came out of nowhere and could have a direct effect on the citizens of Starr County.

"I think their office should've been more centralized so that people throughout the county can have access to their facilities," Vera said.

He said the field office plays a huge role in the community. 

"It's very important. Anytime you need a permit from them or potholes fixed people go to their office to talk," Vera said.

He said now that they are moving clear across the county it will make it harder for residents to have their needs met.

"Having it way out there, it will become difficult for some of our citizens to get out there," Vera said.

Alvarez said the department will do what they can to accommodate anyone who needs their help.

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