Everything Mayor Hernandez said at the 2023 Start of the Produce Season event

PHARR, Texas - Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez says the Pharr International Bridge could be given over exclusively to commercial trucks in the coming years, with passenger vehicles having to use other ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley.Hernandez spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about the future of the Valley’s busiest bridge for trade during his city’s recent Start of the Produce Season festivities. “We will do whatever the population requires. Demand is what drives this,” Hernandez said. “So, if there is absolutely a need for us to be fully commercial, then that's what we will do. If there's still a need to be hybrid for the benefit of all residents, then that’s what we'll do. It is evolving with time.”Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan agreed. He told the Guardian: “These are conversations we've had in the last several years. These are conversations that have either been sparked by the federal government, by CBP, or even from us and having different conversations with different trade partners. You know, we've talked about extending hours of operation. There's a couple of businesses out there that in the past years have talked about going 24 hours. So, the mayor said it best, it's evolving.”CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection. Both Hernandez and Bazan spoke from the podium at the 2023-24 Start of the Produce Season celebrations. The event drew hundreds of people, including elected officials, economic development leaders and those that work in the fresh produce industry. As in other years, bags of fruit and vegetables were available for take away and local eateries had stands so those attending could taste food made from the produce that crosses the Pharr Bridge. Here is an audio recording of Mayor Hernandez's speech at the 2023 Start of the Produce Season celebrations.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.