BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville’s interim city manager, Alan Guard, has commented on a decision by the Texas Broadband Development Office to invest $21.9 million in the city’s blazing-fast fiber internet service.
“This award reflects years of planning and investment in the City’s digital infrastructure,” Guard said. “By expanding our middle-mile network, we are not only increasing capacity and reliability but also creating the framework for greater regional connectivity and long-term technological growth.”
Guard pointed out that TBDO’s grant requires a 20 percent local match. He said this will be incorporated into the City’s financial planning. Even with this requirement, the funding substantially offsets overall project costs and reflects strong external support for Brownsville’s long-term connectivity strategy, Guard argued.
The City of Brownsville developed a public-private partnership with Omni Fiber. The private company provides what is termed the Last Mile of service. The funding from the Texas Broadband Development Office will help with the city’s Middle Mile program.
TDBO said the Middle Mile program is designed for municipalities with established fiber networks that are ready to expand regional connectivity.
With this funding, the City will expand its fiber network by approximately 138 miles, Guard said, thereby improving broadband access, reliability, and capacity throughout the region. He said the project will also enable neighboring communities to connect to Brownsville’s middle-mile network, creating a more resilient and scalable communications backbone.
Communities that will directly benefit from the expansion include Starbase, San Pedro, Encantada-Ranchito El Calaboz, La Paloma, Palmer Colonia, Carricitos, Los Indios, Rangerville, San Benito, Russell Town, Green Valley Farms, Villa Del Sol, Lozano, Rio Hondo, Arroyo Gardens, La Tina Ranch, Laureles, Bayview, Laguna Vista, Laguna Heights, and Port Isabel.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., said that with its announcement, TBDO is making a significant investment in the region’s digital infrastructure.
“With this investment, Brownsville is continuing to build the foundation for a more connected and competitive future,” Cowen said. “Expanding our broadband infrastructure means more opportunity for our residents, stronger support for education and healthcare, and better tools to help our region grow together.”
According to a City of Brownsville press release, the project is expected to impact approximately 50,000 residents, enhancing access to high-speed broadband for households, businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions.
“The initiative also received strong support from regional leaders, including Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who provided letters of endorsement highlighting the project’s regional importance,” the press release stated.
Jorge Cardenas is Brownsville’s chief information officer. He told the RGG Business Journal: “We are incredibly proud to receive this $21.9 million investment, which represents a transformational moment for Brownsville, Cameron County and our region. These funds will allow us to build 138 miles of fiber infrastructure, expanding high-speed connectivity to more than 17 communities.”
Cardenas added: “This is more than a technology project—it is an investment in education, economic growth, public safety, and opportunity for every resident. We are building the foundation for the future and ensuring that no community is left behind.”
