LRGVDC Recognized as Valued Partner in 2010 Census

Expansion of the LRGVDC Transit Center to start the last quarter of 2010

UTPA Students Lead ‘Valley Metro’ Rebranding

Recovery Act – Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act - $154,000

LRGVDC 9-1-1 DepartmentProvides Public Education

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 2nd Round Disaster Recovery Funding UPDATE

LRGVDC Board of Directors Take Action to Change Meeting Start Time

Regional Police Academyand Training Center

LRGVDC ReceivesNADO 2010 Innovation Award

Third Annual Partnership Conference

REGIONAL PURSUITS is the newsletter published by the LRGVDC.

This publication is financed in part through funding assistance from State

and Federal grants.REGIONAL PURSUITS is available without cost

and inquiries should be directed to:

Ken Jones, Executive DirectorLower Rio Grande Valley Development Council

311 N. 15th Street, McAllen, TX 78501-4705E-Mail: info@lrgvdc.orgwebsite: www.lrgvdc.org

(956) 682-3481, Fax (956) 631-4670;

SEPTEMBER 2010 • VOLUME LXVI

At the LRGVDC Board meeting held on August 26th President,

Chris Boswell, Mayor of Harlingen, was presented a plaque of recognition by Ms. Felicia Ramirez, Census 2010 Partnership Specialist. “This should be my last visit until the next decade”, stated Ms. Ramirez. Ms. Ramirez went on to say that “throughout the

Rio Grande Valley, 2010 Census staff created committees within the cities and counties to promote the census, especially to those hard to count areas. Conducting the decennial census was a massive and vitally important undertaking, one the census bureau could only accomplish with the help and support from the LRGVDC”. She added that “the Census Bureau successfully completed operations, and on behalf of the Department of Commerce, the Census Bureau, our Dallas Regional Census Center and the Rio Grande Valley Team we would like to thank the LRGVDC and the cities and counties involved for making a difference during the 2010 Census”. Ms. Ramirez personally thanked Mr. Ken Jones, Executive Director, Mr. Victor Morales, Procurement Director and Ms. Debby Morales, Executive Secretary for their coordination efforts with her in promoting the 2010 Census since early in 2009.

Expansion of the LRGVDC Transit Center to start the last quarter of 2010

The LRGVDC Transit Center will be under construction once again by the last quarter of 2010, thanks to the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This time the facility will be expanded including more parking space to accommodate large buses currently being manufactured. The expansion of the parking area will also allow entry to the facility from the South gate and exit through the North gate giving

better flow to traffic while maneuvering. The existing garage area will be expanded to accommodate storage area for parts and tires and a fully automated wash bay will be built to facilitate clean vehicles. We are also considering the possibility of adding a fueling station. Parking space in the front will be expanded to the North to add approximately 45 parking spaces to alleviate congestion when meetings are scheduled.

For more information about this project please contact Kenneth Jones, Executive Director or Victor Morales, Procurement Director or visit our web site at lrgvdc.org.

Felicia Ramirez, Census 2010 Partnership Specialist presents LRGVDC Board President, Mayor Chris Boswell

with a plaque of recognition

LRGVDC Recognized as Valued Partner in 2010 Census

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council will ensure that each agency: • Equips victim assistance providers with the appropriate resources to enhance victim services. • Targets funding where it will have the greatest impact.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley received approximately $154,000 dollars in recovery act funding dedicated to

combating violent crimes against women and offering services to victims of these crimes. There are currently five agencies that will be able to benefit from this funding, which supports efforts that respond to violent crimes against women including developing and strengthening effective law enforcement, prosecution strategies,

and victim services in cases involving violence against women.Assisting crime victims in achieving restoration to full physical,

mental, and emotional health is the focus of the Criminal Justice Division’s (CJD) victim strategy. This can be achieved when communities are sensitive to the care and safety of individuals who have been victimized and holding offenders accountable for their crimes.

Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice DivisionLower Rio Grande Valley Development CouncilCriminal Justice Program

Recovery Act – Federal STOP ViolenceAgainst Women Act - $154,000

This summer, LRGVDC Regional Transit Services partnered in a community project with UTPA’s College of Communications to “rebrand” Rio Metro, Harlingen Express, and Rio Transit. A Creative Strategies class composed mostly of Advertising and Public Relations undergraduates proposed a total of seven (7) projects that included a set of deliverables (name, emblem, slogans, color scheme) for use in the rebranding campaign. Dr. Jennifer Lemanski, Associate Professor of Communications, generously constructed her summer class around this project.

UTPA, LRGVDC, Hidalgo County MPO, and Harlingen-San Benito MPO staff members evaluated the seven (7) projects according to creativity, relevance, adaptability, data/research, presentation skills, and cost effectiveness. On July 22, 2010 the top two (2) student groups presented their projects to the LRGVDC Board of Directors, LRGVDC staff, and the public. LRGVDC Transit staff recommended the adoption of a final logo, slogans, and color scheme based on elements of each of the

two projects. The Board approved the recommendation, thereby replacing the old transit brands with one new one: Valley Metro. All LRGVDC transit services will now be known under one banner. The transition into the new brand will begin with a marketing campaign in the fall of 2010.

The staff at the LRGVDC extends its gratitude to Dr. Lemanksi and her students for their hard work and outstanding designs. Staff also thanks two very special representatives from UTPA who helped this project to develop: UTPA’s Marketing

Analyst Elisa Flores and UTPA’s Office of Auxiliary Services Director, Leticia Benavides. The LRGVDC is indebted for their generous assistance and constant support of regional public transportation.

TOP TWOSTUDENT GROUPS

Valley Metro - Lileana Cantu, Daniel Flores, Maria F. Garza-Garcia, Enrique Lastra; provided name, emblem, color scheme, select marketing concepts

Liberty Express - Carolina Garza, Elizabeth Otero, Marlen Fields, Andrea Palacios; provided slogans, independence theme, fun facts for each city on buses, select marketing concepts

UTPA Students Lead ‘Valley Metro’ Rebranding

(Pictured l-r: Enrique Lastra, Lileana Cantu, Kenneth N. Jones, Jr., Maria F. Garza-Garcia, and Daniel Flores)

Award Amount Recipient Project Title$46,075 Women Together Foundation Hidalgo County$47,000 Town of Laguna Vista VIDMIC Video Equipment$39,500 City of Pharr Domestic Violence Coordinator Project$18,790 Cameron County Domestic Violence Unit – Training$42,150 Family Crisis Center Professional Training & Direct Service Victim Project

The awards for the STOP Violence Against Women Act Fund include:

LRGVDC 9-1-1 DepartmentProvides Public Education

Cell Phone Sally poses with children from the Mission Boy’s & Girl’s Club

Red E. Fox poses with Border Patrol Agents at the Mission National Night Out event

Cell Phone Sally poses with children at the Mission National Night Out event

On August 3, 2010 the LRGVDC 9-1-1 Public Education staff attended the Mission & Edinburg National Night Out events. The 9-1-1 Department mascots, Red E. Fox and Cell Phone Sally, made an appearance and posed for photos. Those who attended were provided information on the importance of having a 9-1-1 Physical Address.

Staff has also provided 9-1-1 presentations at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Edinburg, Mission and Pharr, and the Parks and Recreation Center in Edinburg. The presentation educated the children on the importance of dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency, knowing their address and phone number. Additionally staff gave the children important tips on things they should know when making a 9-1-1 call such as: stay calm, don’t hang up, know your address and phone number. Staff continues to develop new and exciting ways to present 9-1-1 information.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s First Round Disaster Recovery Funding is at 96% completion according to Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

Round 2 Disaster Recovery Funds will be distributed in two phases. The LRGVDC

has developed the DRAFT Phase I/Partial Method of Distribution (MOD) and is seeking input on the MOD. The maximum amount of funds that may be allocated for this first phase is 33% of the total Round 2 allocation not to exceed $185,515,915. The amounts for this partial MOD are shown below:

LRGVDCBoard of Directors

Take Action to Change Meeting Start Time

At their August 26th meeting the LRGVDC Board of Directors took action to change the monthly Board meeting start time from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 noon. The Board meeting date will continue to be the fourth Thursday of the month, and starting September 23rd the Board meeting will begin at 12:00 noon at the usual location, the LRGVDC Transportation Center Board Room, located a 510 S. Pleasantview Dr. in Weslaco, TX. For further information on the LRGVDC Board of Directors meetings please contact Ken Jones, Executive Director or Debby Morales, Executive Secretary at 956-682-3481.

The non-housing allocation will be used on the majority of the drainage projects approved by the LRGVDC Board of Directors back in December, 2009. The $2.2 million in housing will be used for the Request for Proposal (RFP)

process for the remainder of the housing allocation funding.

All information for the Disaster Recovery Funding is posted on the LRGVDC web site at www.lrgvdc.org

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council2nd Round Disaster Recovery Funding UPDATE

Total Allocation Non-Housing Allocation Housing Allocation

$61,220,252 $58,981,527 $2,238,725

CONTACTS FOR LRGVDC ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS

ExECuTIVE COMMITTEEMayor Chris Boswell PresidentCity of Harlingen

Mayor Pro-Tem Alvin Samano 1st Vice-PresidentMember-At-Large

Hon. Norma G. Garcia 2nd Vice-PresidentMember-At-Large

Mayor Pro-Tem Eddy Gonzalez SecretaryCity of Edcouch

Commissioner Edward C. Camarillo TreasurerCity of Brownsville

Commission John Ingram Immediate Past PresidentCity of McAllen

REMAINING BOARD MEMBERSCommissioner Sofia Benavidez Cameron CountyCommissioner Hector “Tito” Palacios Hidalgo CountyJudge Pro-Tem Aurelio Guerra Willacy CountyCommissioner Roel Landa City of AlamoMayor David S. Simmons City of DonnaCouncil Member Gus Garcia City of EdinburgMayor Steve Brewer City of La FeriaMayor Joel Quintanilla City of MercedesMayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas City of MissionMayor Leo “Polo” Palacios, Jr. City of PharrMayor Orlando Correa City of RaymondvilleCommissioner Celeste Sanchez City of San BenitoMayor Pro-Tem Lupe Rodriguez City of San JuanCommissioner Robert J. Garza City of WeslacoDr. Cesar Maldonado T.S.T.C.Mr. Roberto Loredo Donna I.S.D.Mr. Gale Armstrong El Jardin Water SupplyMr. Michael G. Wilson Willacy County Navigation DistrictMr. Don Medina Member-At-LargeMr. Arturo Ramirez Grassroots Organizations

Kenneth N. Jones, Jr. Executive DirectorAnn Lyles Director, FinanceAnna Hernandez Director, Human ResourcesTerrie Salinas Director, Economic DevelopmentJoe Gonzalez Director, Area Agency of AgingManuel Flores Director, Transit Services

Andrew Canon Director, Hidalgo County MPOManuel Cruz Director, Homeland SecurityJuan Gomez Director, 9-1-1 ServicesVictor Morales Director of ProcurementPaul Williams Director, Regional Police Academy & Training CenterMarcie Oviedo Director, Regional Planning

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 31McALLEN, TX

78501

Lower Rio Grande ValleyDevelopment Council311 N. 15th Street • McAllen, TX 78501-4705

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development CouncilBOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010-2011

Southwest Texas Law Enforcement Exposition:The LRGVDC Regional Police Academy (RPA) co-hosted a luncheon for law enforcement administrators attending the Southwest Texas Law Enforcement Exposition at the Hilton Gardens Hotel at South Padre Island on Thursday and Friday, August 19-20. Honored guests were Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and Representative Elect Sergio Munoz, Jr.

The Expo focused on training opportunities for lower valley law enforcement personnel as we continue to battle traditional crimes (burglaries, assaults, robberies, gangs, etc.) and the rising crimes from Mexico by the Cartels and Zetas. Many of the training opportunities will be fee-free for law enforcement personnel and all law enforcement officers are welcomed to attend. The courses will be offered throughout the tri-county region.

Public Safety Career Expo:In conjunction with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen, the LRGVDC-RPA is organizing a public safety career exposition at TSTC on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. The Expo is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and all public safety professionals are invited to participate. The Expo is fee-free for everyone and will include résumé and interviewing workshops.

Currently, invitations have been sent to the law enforcement agencies in the lower valley area and to other agencies throughout the state (Dallas Police Department, Austin Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, etc.), and to some out-of-state agencies (Los Angeles Police Department, New Mexico Department of Public Safety, etc.) and to some federal law enforcement agencies (FBI, CBP, Coast Guard, etc.). We hope to make this an annual event. For additional information on the Expo contact Paul Williams, LRGVDC-RPA Director at 956-364-4507.

2010-2011 Training Calendar:The 2010-2011 Training Calendar has been uploaded to our website: www.lrgvdc.org under the “Police Academy” tab. We are working with the FBI on bringing classes to the lower

valley region at no cost to local law enforcement agencies. Such courses include, but are not limited to, First Responder Crisis Negotiations, Interview and Interrogations, and Civil Rights Presentation, to name a few. Again, these courses and others are offered at no cost to local law enforcement officials and TCLEOSE credit will be awarded to participants upon successful completion of each course. Please refer to the Training Calendar for the course dates and locations.

The LRGVDC-RPA is working with Noble USA to bring a Terrorism/Narco-Terrorism course to the region. With the rising violence in Mexico and along the Texas/Mexico border, local law enforcement officials need to be mindful of the activities of the drug Cartels and Zetas as we continue our mission to serve and protect. Noble USA is offering a discounted price for this course for law enforcement officials. Course dates and locations will be posted when they become available at www.lrgvdc.org.

The LRGVDC-RPA is also working with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to bring additional firearms instructor and qualification courses to the region. Recently, the Harlingen Police Department, in conjunction with the LRGVDC-RPA, hosted the Patrol Rifle Instructor Course. Feedback overwhelmingly indicated that need for and interest in such courses is demanded by the region’s law enforcement. As a result, the LRGVDC-RPA will be working with the NRA on such courses.

Instructor I:The LRGVDC-RPA is pleased to announce the addition of a new full-time Instructor I position which will be housed at TSTC in Harlingen. This new instructor will assist with the Basic Peace Officer Certification course in Harlingen and with in-service courses throughout the region. With this new instructor comes the opportunity for additional training grants for the Academy which would directly benefit local agencies through training and professional development at little to no cost. We are happy to announce that Mr. William McGinnis accepted this position and joined our team on Monday, September 13, 2010.

Regional Police Academyand Training Center

Third Annual Partnership Conference

LRGVDC ReceivesNADO 2010 Innovation Award

The Area Agency on Aging/LRGVDC in partnership with Dept. of Aging and Disability Services, VAIL, Dept. of Family and Protective Services and Tropical Texas hosted their Third Annual Partnership Conference. The conference was held on July 8 at the Knapp Medical Center Conference Room in Weslaco. An audience of 170 staff amongst the five agencies attended the event.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the five agencies enables them to work together for their clients as well as learn about each other’s agencies.

The welcome was given by Ann Cortez, APS, and Rogelio Fuentes, DADS. Keynote Speaker was Gary Jessee, Assistant Commissioner for (DADS) Access and Intake. An inspirational warm-up was presented by Frotze Kormeir, retired Regional Administrator for Region 11.

Jose L. Gonzalez, Director of Area Agency on Aging, presented the “Network of Care”. Other presentations given were: LRGVDC Rio Metro, 211, Department of State Health Services, and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department.

The LRGVDC received a notice that it had been awarded

a 2010 Innovation Award for the Area Agency on

Aging’s Lower Rio Grande Valley Virtual Dementia Tour. The

project’s purpose is to sensitize and educate the community and

caregivers on Dementia, which is the predominate diagnosis

for the deterioration of cognitive and intellectual thinking in

older adults. The agency utilizes the Virtual Dementia Tour

training kit developed by Second Wind Dreams.

The Virtual Dementia Tour had been provided to local

hospitals, state agencies, health fairs and at South Texas

College. The program was also demonstrated at an event

sponsored by the Coastal Bend Area Agency on Aging.

Kits are available for loan to organizations that are

interested in providing this program with their staff, and

Area Agency on Aging staff is available to provide training

to interested organizations on how to provide the tour.

For more information please contact Noemi Rodriguez at:

682-3481 ext. 133.

Mike Norton, NADO President (middle) presents Jose L. Gonzalez, Director of Area Agency on Aging (left) and Noemi Rodriguez, Tech IV Caregiver Information (right)

with the NADO 2010 Innovation Award.

Joe Gonzalez, Director of Area Agency on Aging and Noemi Rodriguez, Tech IV Caregiver Information Services displaying the Award Winning Project

at the Innovation Awards Reception in San Diego, CAduring NADO’s Annual Training Conference