Ethan T. Maldonado 
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday granting more than $100 million in funding to infrastructure across the state. It includes $28 million allocated to the Rio Grande Valley.
The investment includes the expansion of Weslaco’s Mid-Valley Airport, a facility that city leaders say could become a major driver of economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley.
The fund allocation was made public during the 2025 Legislative Appropriations event.
Abbott presented two state senate bills representing budget authorizations for the funding. One section directs $8 million for Weslaco’s water and drainage system and another one allocates $10 million for the Weslaco airport runway expansion and $10 million for the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg.
“The Rio Grande Valley is absolutely booming,” he said. “The millions of people who work and live in the Rio Grande Valley are truly instrumental to the future success of our state. Because of who you are, and because of everything that you contribute to the state of Texas, you are an important part of the Texas economic juggernaut. Texas will be part of the growing Rio Grande Valley every step of the way.”
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
State Rep. Armando Martinez (D-Weslaco) said Mid-Valley Airport, while less known than Valley International in Harlingen or McAllen International, plays a crucial role in disaster response, border security, and private and corporate aviation.
It is also home to the Texas Department of Public Safety, National Guard facilities, and Customs and Border Protection operations.
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said the improvements will help the airport attract new businesses and strengthen its role as a regional hub.
“This is huge,” Gonzalez said. “The $10 million for the runway … and $8 million for drainage will do great things not just for Weslaco but for the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
Abbott compared the project to the creation of Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport and the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, both of which helped transform their regions into “catalysts for economic growth.”
He noted the Valley’s population is projected to double by 2045, making infrastructure investments such as the Mid-Valley expansion critical.
The announcement drew a packed crowd of state and local leaders, including state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen), state Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi) and Weslaco Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Garza.
The event concluded with Gonzalez presenting Abbott a key to the city in recognition of his support for the Valley.
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
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