CITY OF HARLINGEN, TEXAS

Importance of Port of Entry (POE) status to be considered for granting to city airport, Valley International Airport (VIA). Collateral approach Border Security language introduced in US House for city's airport adopted into H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act; collateral bill not adopted by Senate yet. Also briefed City's US House Representative on lack of proper trade facilitation over international Los Indios Bridge from Harlingen to Mexico. Discussed possible non legislative resolutions with Mexico.

Made appropriations requests with US House for city drainage projects and equipment for the city fire department.

Request of US House & corresponding US Senate offices to support request for US Grant funding (FAA) for construction of updated airport control tower at Valley International Airport (VIA), city's airport. Two Congressional letters generated. Also, submitted appropriations requests for federal funding for certain drainage, homeland security & public health issues in the City.

Requested funding via potential appropriation request and importance of need for city animal shelter.

Brief made & issue discussed with US House Member re: under-utilization and lack of coordination between US & Mexican authorities with regard to Los Indios International Bridge in Harlingen with regards to traffic and uses for trade.