Mayor discusses long-term goals

By CRAIG ALANIZ
Reporter/Photographer
press@portisabelsouthpadre.com 

Mayor Vega

Mayor Joe E. Vega

The Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce hosted an all-member meeting with a State of Port Isabel address from Mayor Joe E. Vega last Friday.

Vega said he is proud to report a healthy fund balance of $826,000 without making major cuts to employment and without raising taxes. He said the city staff worked hard to stay within budget.

The Port Isabel Event Center had broken ground in the past year and continues to move along. Vega said landscaping and new appliances were provided by an investment grant from the USDA. He said the amount of the grant was $425,000.

Four properties were purchased for added parking to the Port Isabel Lighthouse Square. Vega said $50,000 in improvements were made to the Port Isabel Fire Hall. He said the city also has welcomed six new local businesses.

Vega said Port Road will have some improvements in the next year. He said a $2 million environmental survey for the new road to direct traffic away from Highway 100 was completed. He said the city is still taking steps for beautification.

The police force added a marine patrol. Vega said now they are able to police areas that were not accessible before. He said the Animal Shelter is making great strides since the city has assumed the responsibility and continues to use euthanasia as a last resort for the animals in their care.

Vega said the events hosted by the city were a great success this year and hopes it will continue. He said the city is also working on grants that will bring a hiking and bike trail in Port Isabel.

“It was a great year for Port Isabel in 2012, we hope 2013 will be the same,” Vega said.

Read this story in the Feb. 7 edition of the Port Isabel-South Padre Press, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2013/02/07/mayor-discusses-long-term-goals/

1 comment

  1. So neat to know that Port Isabel is growing and up with the times, but retaining the charm and pace that draws a person to the shores of the Gulf and the Rio Grande Valley. I always miss PI…..
    pat chapin

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