MCALLEN, Texas - Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 has operated in Hidalgo County for many years. It could soon he offering its services in Willacy County also.
In an in-depth interview with the RGG Business Journal, Mark E. Garcia, president and CEO of FTZ 12 said he was in negotiations with Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra. He said he believes the foreign trade zone can help Port Mansfield develop its commercial activities.
Garcia said: “I think as we look at things as a region, like RioPlex does, and COSTEP, you’ve got to look at all the assets within your area and within your region. You’ve got a lot going on in Brownsville, with SpaceX and LNG and stuff that's happening at that port (the Port of Brownsville). I think we kind of left out for some time the opportunities we have within Willacy County.”
Garcia continued: “So, we worked with the judge, and we met with the county commissioners. We felt that there might be some opportunities there to help them promote their assets within the county and be able to offer trades on services to companies that are looking to relocate in Willacy County.
“There's a lot of things happening at the port (Port Mansfield). Yes, there has been some pushback there with some of the locals and stuff. But I think, the opportunities outweigh what some of the locals might be talking about.”
Garcia referenced expected economic growth in Willacy County due to the construction of data centers.
“The projects that Willacy County has closed on include the data center, Soluna. That’s great to hear. So, as we look at all of that, why can't Willacy County also take advantage of the Foreign Trade Zone program? It's free to them. There's no cost. It’s just an application process that takes about seven months to do.”
Garcia said Willacy County Commissioners Court has opened its doors to FTZ No. 12.
“We want to help them be successful. And if the trade zone program can help them do that, then, by all means, I think it's something that that we need to do to support them.”
Asked if the county judge is excited by the prospect of FTZ No. 12 helping his county, Garcia said:
“He is. I think one of the biggest things that we needed to really work on was the fact that they needed to understand what the program was about, first. I think they were a little skeptical up front. Well, what does it mean for us and how does it benefit us? So, there was a learning process there, and I think there still is, because it's not an easy program to understand, but the benefits can be great.
“So, we're still working with them, the (Willacy County) Navigation District. But again, they're hungry, and if we can help them be successful, it’s a win-win for both of us.”
County Judge Guerra spoke about the possibility of Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 coming into his county when he appeared at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s 2025 State of the Region summit. The event was held at the Mission Event Center.
From the podium, Judge Guerra said: “Many of you have heard of Port Mansfield. There have been some issues there, as far as different folks wanting different things for that area. But nonetheless, growth is coming. It is a port and we're looking forward to having new programs having to do with economic development. We are now in the effort of being part of Foreign Trade (Zone) No. 12, which has existed here in Hidalgo County for, I think, many years. And we had a tour 9f FTZ No. 12). My compliments to you, Judge Cortez. It is very impressive operation. So, hopefully we can be part of that. It is in the process.”
Editor's Note: The above news story is the third in a three-part series on Foreign Trade Zone No. 12. Click here to read Part One. Click here to read Part Two.
