The Brownsville City Commission at its July 11, 2023 regular commission meeting approved awarding ZIWA Construction the $7, 489, 689 TIGER project or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Rehab Project which is a 5-state construction project belonging to the Multimodal Transportation Department.

The TIGER project consists of replacing an underground storage tank (UST) system with a new aboveground storage tank (AST) system for fueling the Brownsville Metro Fleet and administrative vehicles at the Jose Colunga Maintenance yard. 

Other improvements include the purchase of a new Automated Bus Wash Fuel system and island, improve site storm sewer system including a retention pond, new Billy Mitchell bus entrance, and automated gate entry points with increased security and lighting. 

The City Commission also approved $684,911 in additional funding for the completion of the Communications and Marketing Department and Convention and Visitors Bureau and Office of Space Commerce Building.

The CMD/CVB building will be located on East Adams Street and is expected to be completed in late August.

The City Commission also approved the issuance of two proclamations one honoring State Rep. Erin Gamez and the late Fred Guadalupe Kowalski.

Gamez was recognized for her commitment to public service and how it extends to her legislative work.

“Representative Gamez’s commitment to advocating for the needs and interests of the community she represents exemplifies her exemplary leadership and dedication to public service,” a portion of the proclamation read.

Kowalski was recognized for his service in the U.S. military and for serving as a court interpreter in the United States federal court system where he continued to work until the age of 82.