Las Milpas/South Pharr Success Story

Las Milpas Area

In 1986 and 1988, the City of Pharr annexed the two sections of an area known as Las Milpas. The area of Las Milpas was known as the largest colonia in South Texas with a population of 9,564 and 2,096 housing units according to the 1990 census. At that time, Las Milpas was a substandard subdivision that lacked many of the essential infrastructure improvements such as drainage, sewer, water and street paving.

The cyclical poverty of the area heightened the need for social, health and economic services, all sorely lacking. The majority of the Las Milpas residents (84%) are considered to be below the 50% poverty level.

Today, the Las Milpas/South Pharr area is no longer considered a “Colonia” as it now has become a growing community full of pride. The 2000 Census reflects a population 14,572 with 3,300 housing units. Current estimated 2004 population is 17,212.

Infrastructure Improvements

Since its annexation, the City of Pharr began to provide for infrastructure improvements in an effort to upgrade the area to new subdivision standards with over $37 million (including $9.3 million of CDBG funds) directed to this ongoing improvements project. Potable water and sewer services were provided to more than 4,450 families in the area. Year after year the City allocated CDBG resources for infrastructure improvements and other needs of the area.

In 2000, Pharr received approval of a Section 108 Loan to provide improvements to the Las Milpas/Pharr Industrial Park that provided for economic and infrastructure development needed to stimulate the local economy. Combined with other Federal funding, the City’s vision that the Industrial Park and the designation as a Free Trade Zone would ultimately serve as a catalyst to attract private enterprise both North and South of the border.

Housing Developments

In 2001, a 10-acre tract of land located in South Pharr was donated to the Rio Grande Habitat for Humanity. The City of Pharr used its allocation of CDBG funds for the infrastructure of the subdivision (water, sewer, sanitary sewer, drainage and street paving improvements).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The City of Pharr, as previously mentioned, has seen tremendous growth in both commercial and residential subdivisions at a phenomenal rate. Many new businesses have opened in the area, creating new jobs and providing other goods and services to the community. In August 2004, the area got a Jack in The Box restaurant and construction is underway for other businesses. These new commercial and residential developments have enhanced the City’s appeal as it continues to improve the quality of life for its residents.

The City of Pharr is owner of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, which has become quite active in the generation of business and revenue for the community and surrounding areas. Since its completion in January 1995, the City of Pharr is in an enviable position to ensure economic and community development. The City of Pharr is located at the “hub” of U.S. 83 and U.S. 281 and home to the newest of the international crossings into Mexico, providing quick access to the maquiladoras of Mexico, transportation routes and industrial trade zones of the region. Many jobs have been created and continue to do so because of the success of this bridge.

Public Service Agencies

The City has provided various facilities in the Las Milpas/Pharr area including a fire station substation, Boys and Girls Club, Community Center, and a police substation. In addition, the City has focused on the need to assist in ending cyclical poverty. This includes prior funding of agencies such as Project Arise and Su Casa of Hidalgo that provide training and education in literacy, parenting and personal development skills.

New Annexations

The City of Pharr is always striving to be on the cutting edge of rural and urban development design and standards. Last year, the City annexed 1,418.32 acres to its south area (Las Milpas) from Juan Balli Road to the Old Military Highway including South Fork subdivision. The South Fork area is a colonia that lacks adequate drainage, pavement and curb and gutter. South Fork subdivision consists of 87 households with a population of 420 persons of which 88.4% are considered below 80% of the area median income; 65.8% below 50% of the area median income, and 35.6% below 30% of area median income. As a result of this new annexation, the City has applied for assistance under the Border Colonia Access Program funded by the State of Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation in conjunction with the County of Hidalgo are the administrators of this colonia program. The Border Colonia Access Funds will provide funding for infrastructure improvements (i.e., street paving, water, drainage) to this subdivision. The project is scheduled to commence during the latter part of 2005. Also by being annexed, the South Fork colonia will now benefit from other city services such as utilities, police, fire protection, and the city’s housing programs.