Special to the NEWS
HARLINGEN, TX—In late December, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. and the Cameron County Commissioners delivered the 2025 State of the County address at the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Cultural Arts Center.
The address detailed a year of transformative progress, focusing on fiscal responsibility, massive infrastructure investment and growth, and the county’s growing role as a global leader in the aerospace and energy sectors.
Judge Treviño highlighted Cameron County’s third consecutive property tax rate cut, job growth that exceeds 10,000 new high-paying jobs, and a general fund balance of $52 million, the largest in Cameron County’s history.
In addition, Judge Treviño praised the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority’s (CCRMA) $2 billion transportation system, which includes the second causeway to South Padre Island, the East Loop International Trade Corridor, SH 4 improvements leading to Starbase, and a new state highway in northern Cameron County that will connect Edinburg to South Padre Island.
“The state of Cameron County is stronger than ever,” said Judge Treviño. “By working together across municipal lines and prioritizing the needs of our residents, we are ensuring that Cameron County remains a great place for families to live, for visitors to enjoy, and for global innovators to plant new roots. Through our actions, the Cameron County Commissioners’ Court has shown we are committed to working alongside local, state, and federal partners to drive economic growth and transportation infrastructure initiatives forward.”
Treviño also emphasized the importance of finding a long-term regional water solution, noting that without adequate water, the great progress being made in Cameron County could be negatively affected.
In addition to water availability, the County Commissioners discussed the completion of critical drainage projects throughout Cameron County.
The County Commissioners shared highlights of precinct-specific projects and top priorities currently underway. Each County Commissioner noted that working together in unison has enabled the Commissioners’ Court and Cameron County to achieve greater progress.
“Today’s State of the County address underscored Cameron County’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents through expanded healthcare access, investment in workforce training programs, and the preservation of natural resources,” he said.
“The county’s initiatives are designed not only to sustain economic momentum but also to ensure that growth is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible. By centering the county’s growth with education, public health, workforce development, and mental health initiatives, Cameron County is positioning itself as a model for balanced progress that benefits both current and future generations,” exclaimed Treviño.
In a separate address, Cameron County officials also noted that they are conducting due diligence on the data center industry rumored to be eying Harlingen.
As interest in building a data center in Cameron County grows, it is important to acknowledge and respect our community’s legitimate concerns, stated a county-issued press release.
“While we must examine the potential economic benefits such a development may bring, we must also evaluate the possible challenges, particularly those related to the use of natural resources (land and water) and energy consumption,” Treviño noted in the statement.
At this time, the County is actively reviewing studies and conducting research on how data centers have been implemented in other regions and the impacts they have had on local communities, according to the statement.
Cameron County maintains constant communication with business prospects across many industries, including data centers.
“The County’s authority to restrict businesses located within the County is limited. When a business seeks to invest in Cameron County and complies with all applicable standards, permitting requirements, and resource arrangements that fall outside the Cameron Court’s authority, we have limited ability to restrict that business’s operations,” the statement reads.
“At this time, the County has not received a formal business proposal or permitting applications for the construction of a data center. This due diligence is essential to ensure that Cameron County remains a leader in economic development while safeguarding our long-term sustainability,” the statement concluded.
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