Ellie Torres Elected Chair of Rio Grande Valley MPO, First Woman to Lead Organization

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX – Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres was elected Chair of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) today, making history as the first woman to hold the position.

Commissioner Torres brings a proven record of delivering impactful transportation projects, including the 10th Street Expansion Project and the Monte Cristo Expansion Project. As Chair, she will lead the RGVMPO in addressing the transportation challenges of a rapidly growing region.

“I am honored to take on this role and am dedicated to bringing practical and common-sense solutions to deliver transportation projects swiftly and cost effectively,” Torres said. “I will ensure that every transportation dollar is spent wisely and directly benefits our roads and infrastructure.”

The RGVMPO, established in 2019 through the merger of the Hidalgo, Harlingen-San Benito, and Brownsville MPOs, serves Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. As one of the largest MPOs in Texas, it administers over $1 billion in federal and state transportation funds, facilitating coordinated planning and funding for infrastructure projects across the Rio Grande Valley.

Outgoing Chair, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, praised Torres’ leadership, stating: “I am excited to see Commissioner Torres assume the position of Chair. I have witnessed her strong leadership firsthand, and I’m confident she will excel in this role.”

Under Torres’ leadership, the RGVMPO will continue its focus on building new roads and advancing projects that enhance safety, support economic development, and improve quality of life for the region’s residents.

For more information about the RGVMPO and its initiatives, visit rgvmpo.org or contact Michael Medina, Executive Director, at (956) 682-3481.

Source: RGVMPO