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Guest Column

Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres provides update on Precinct 4 projects

Posted

Precinct 4 is building more than just infrastructure. We're building a stronger, healthier and more connected community. 

A major milestone in public health was reached in April of 2024 with the opening of the Hidalgo County Public Health Facility in Precinct 4. This groundbreaking laboratory and medical clinic offers essential health care with specialized lab testing right in our own backyard. 

Next door, we also opened the Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Rumaldo Cerda, Jr., Justice Center, which houses our justice of the peace and constable offices.

Precinct 4 continues to enhance access to vital services. The endowment center offers programs in nutrition education and workforce development. At the Precinct 4 Lydia Maldonado Whole Life Complex, residents have access to comprehensive health care and wellness. 

Since 2019 the Hidalgo County Unincorporated Street Light Program has brought improved safety and security to 20 neighborhoods with three pending projects installations by the end of this year. 

Also expected in 2026 is a development of a new Community Resource Center in the northern portion of the precinct.

Precinct 4 is continually improving parks and public spaces while enhancing the quality of life for families. Since 2019 the precinct has grown from just one park to four fully open parks, and plans are in the works to open a new park in the southeast area. 

We are also proud to partner with our cities, school districts and local nonprofits to develop more accessible and inclusive parks. Sanitation efforts are also a priority for Precinct 4. Since 2019 the Sanitation Community Cleanup Program has hosted over 150 cleanup events. With continued efforts to curb its illegal dumping, a new Sanitation Recovery Center was opened to better serve our rural residents. 

Infrastructure is a cornerstone of our precinct with millions in funding secured for drainage and road improvements. Over 44 drainage projects have been launched to mitigate flooding and protect homes and businesses. Eleven ARPA funded drainage projects and over eight in-house engineering projects have been completed in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 and the Raymondville Drain improvements are enhancing flood control across the precinct. 

Over 100 county roads have been paved with another 18 scheduled through 2025. We also saw the completion and opening of major TxDOT and RGVMPO funded projects, including Trooper Moises  Sanchez Boulevard, North Alamo Road realignment and the Cesar Chavez Road realignment.

We take great pride in seeing how far we've come in just a few years, but our work is far from over. Our goal is to continue maximizing taxpayer dollars, forging strong partnerships, and ensuring that every investment benefits our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Precinct 4 for you.

Editor's Note: The above commentary from Ellie Torres, Hidalgo County Commissioner, Precinct 4, first aired in a video shown at the 2025 Hidalgo County State of the County Address.