State Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen recently passed a proclamation in the Senate - Proclamation No. 198 - in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge. Here is the resolution:
WHEREAS, the Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of McAllen in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the McAllen Hidalgo International Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the McAllen Hidalgo International Bridge was authorized by the United States Congress in 1925, and formally opened on July 10, 1926, with a public celebration held on the bridge, the remarks of McAllen Mayor Frank Freeland and a performance by the McAllen Municipal Band marked the onset of a vital binational connection, and
WHEREAS, the original suspension bridge spanned 526 feet across the Rio Grande River, and it was first constructed at a width of 16 feet to accommodate a single automobile lane and a pedestrian walkway on each side, and
WHEREAS, a living connection between the two nations, two states, and two cities for families and friendships, for art and culture, and for the quality of life shared by the residents of McAllen and Hidalgo, Texas, and Reynosa, Tamaulipas, and
WHEREAS, the bridge has played a central role in the remarkable transformation of McAllen from a promising South Texas city into one of the most dynamic and culturally vibrant communities in the nation, and
WHEREAS, this gateway has endured floods, structural challenges, and the passage of time, after a cable snapped on the original bridge, the suspension bridge was rebuilt in 1940 at a cost of approximately $120,000, and
WHEREAS, during the 54th Texas Legislature, Governor Alan Shivers signed into law Senate Bill 117, which authorized border cities to issue revenue bonds for capital improvements to international bridges, and in 1960, the city of McAllen acquired the international bridge through the issuance of $1.6 million in bonds, transforming it from a private asset into a community-owned landmark that would fuel civic growth, and
WHEREAS,, on June 1, 1967, the bridge was replaced with a modern four-lane bridge constructed at a cost of $1 million and for nearly 60 years, it has supported the evolving demands of binational commerce and the cross-border communities, and
WHEREAS, throughout the decades, the city commissions of McAllen have demonstrated an extraordinary vision, commitment, and resolve to maintain and improve the bridge they have expertly navigated legal, financial, and engineering challenges to ensure it remains a public asset for future generations, and
WHEREAS, on July 10, 2026, the city of McAllen proudly marks 100 years since the first celebration on the banks of the Rio Grande and a century of connection, commerce, and community made possible by the McAllen Hidalgo International Bridge, now, therefore, be it
PROCLAIMED, that the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commemorate the centennial of the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge and extend to the residents of McAllen and Hidalgo best wishes for continued success, and be it further
PROCLAIMED, that a copy of this proclamation be prepared as an expression of high regard in honor of this special occasion.
