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WESLACO, Texas - If people thought state Rep. Terry Canales was only going to delivering good news at yesterdays RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization monthly meeting, they were wrong.\\xa0

Yes, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation had positive information to share. He said he had helped pass legislation designating Pharr as a metro district. This, he said, will mean more resources and staff for TxDOT\\u2019s Pharr District.

Canales also spoke about the $150 million that is going towards the building of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC). This new funding was announced by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week.

And, Canales said he had helped secure an additional $20 million for the Pharr International Bridge expansion project. The Edinburg Democrat predicted the the bridge\\u2019s second span would be constructed fast.

But, Canales said he also had to deliver some hard truths that many in the room would not like. In fact, he acknowledged his remarks \\u201cmay not be politically prudent or popular.\\u201d He proceeded to tear into Hidalgo County commissioners, saying they needed to be stripped of some of their powers.

\\u201cThe reality is Brownsville and Cameron County are moving at light speed compared to Hidalgo County and that's because we have a divided system in Hidalgo County,\\u201d Canales said.

Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.\\xa0

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