WESLACO – Weslaco will soon be the home of the Regional Headquarters for the Texas Department of Public Safety. A ground breaking ceremony was held May 14, 2010 for the project with over $40 million in construction.
A more than 110,000 square feet complex will be built on the 20 acre site with plenty of space for growth. The land, located on FM 1015, was given to the state by the City of Weslaco and the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation. Hernan Gonzalez, Executive Director of the EDC said that the city leaders felt this was an important gesture as the returns in economic impact will be felt for years. “The high level of jobs and payroll that will be paid out of this facility will transform to home sales, additional jobs, sales tax revenues and so much more,” said Gonzalez. He added, “The employees most likely have families that will be living in Weslaco, where they will have homes, other jobs, shop and entertain in our community, adding revenue to the city coffers.”
The facility will house the Administrative Headquarters for DPS Region 3 which spans from Del Rio to the north, east to Uvalde down to Corpus Christi then south to Brownsville. Departments that will be included in the facility are as follows: Texas Highway Patrol Division; Texas Rangers; Aircraft Section; Criminal Investigations Division; Intelligence & Counter Terrorism; Emergency Management Division; Information Technology; Victim Services; Crime Lab; and Law Enforcement Support Division. There will also be a separate facility for a Driver License Division.
All regional command staff will be working out of the Weslaco offices. The regional headquarters will have a positive economic impact on the city with a substantial payroll that will be moved to Weslaco. Many who will be working at the DPS Regional Headquarters will be shopping, eating in local restaurants and buying homes.
Jose C. Rodriguez III, Regional Commander of Texas Department of Public Safety said they are all excited about the construction of the DPS Regional Headquarters in Weslaco. “The new complex will allow the Department to enhance public safety and provide world class services. We are very appreciative to the Texas Legislature for recognizing the need for the facility in the Rio Grande Valley and the partnership we have established with the City of Weslaco Leadership,” Rodriguez commented.
Weslaco is strategically located in the center of the Rio Grande Valley, just 15 minutes to the east of McAllen and 15 minutes to the west of Harlingen on US Expressway 83. The DPS Regional Headquarters will be located less than two-miles north of Expressway 83 on FM 1015 on the northwest corner at Mile 9.
Texas Department of Public Safety rendering of the new Regional Headquarters to be built in Weslaco at FM 1015 and Mile 9. Ground Breaking Ceremony May 14 at 10 am.
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The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce works for the development and voice of business success in Weslaco by providing opportunities for all businesses and individuals who invest in the community. The Chamber was established in 1935 and is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in the 2009-2010 year.
