By AYLEEN CANIZALES
Special to the PRESS
The Port of Brownsville held a regular Brownsville navigation district board meeting on Foust Road on Wednesday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m. With no comments from the public, the board meeting began with a warm welcome back to commissioner vice-chairman Ralph Cowen, who stated he was glad to have returned.
During presentations, Jorge Cardenas, IT Director of the City of Brownsville, gave an update on fiber optics. He began the presentation with a 2017 study that Brownsville participated in, stating it was ranked the 2nd worst-connected city in the nation. He continued by saying that there has been an alarming rate of Brownsville citizens with no connectivity, fiber, or cable. “Often, many can’t afford a cell phone line, internet, etc.,” Jorge stated.
He said the good news with fiber coming to Brownsville is the access citizens will have and the affordability. Lit Fiber will also invest in the last mile, offering a range of household plans. Currently, the middle mile is 98% complete, as stated by Jorge Cardenas. He encourages those to visit BTXfiber.com to learn more.
The board approved the meeting minutes on March 20, 2024. They also approved the payments of parts and materials for Konecranes, Inc. and TD American Limestone Products, LLC.
Under action items, the board approved the addition of three early voting locations and an additional one at Rancho Viejo City Hall for a May 4th election.
Under bids and purchases, the board approved the request to ratify Braun Intertec Corporation’s proposal for sediment samplings.
The board also approved the action on bids for the Railroad Crossing Materials for Fouts, Bill, Reed, and Windhaus roads for materials and authorized staff to issue Purchase Orders to the lowest successful bidders. They also approved the action on bids for the Ostos Road Pavement Striping and authorized staff to issue the Notice of Award to the successful Bidder.
The board then closed the regular board meeting under the executive session, asking for comments. With no comments, the board went to adjournment.
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