CAMERON COUNTY, Texas – County leaders are focusing on transportation, utilities, workforce preparation and public services as large industrial projects near the Port of Brownsville and Starbase increase demand on the region’s infrastructure.
County Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. said the growth associated with Rio Grande LNG, SpaceX, Saronic Technologies and Texas LNG requires planning that connects workers to job sites while keeping pace with demand for water, drainage, housing, healthcare and education.
Sepulveda cited estimates of roughly $40 billion in investment and about 40,000 jobs associated with the four developments. Those figures are estimates tied to proposed and expanding projects, not a current count of completed investment or filled positions.
Potential transportation improvements discussed for the region include overpasses and bypasses to improve access to the port, the proposed I-69 Connector between I-69C/US 281 and I-69E/US 77, the Outer Parkway and a second access route to South Padre Island. Routes, funding and construction schedules remain subject to planning and environmental review.
County officials said the approach will require coordination with state and federal partners as projects move from planning to construction.
Sources: ProTexas Industry; Cameron County
