“South Texas is growing, and the infrastructure decisions we make today will shape our region for generations to come.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (HARLINGEN, TX)- Senator Adam Hinojosa and Representative Janie Lopez will host a Regional Infrastructure Summit on Wednesday, June 3, bringing together local governments, utility providers, engineers, economic development organizations, water authorities, port representatives, and infrastructure stakeholders from across South Texas to discuss the future of regional infrastructure planning and cooperation.
The summit will focus on how communities can work together to address long-term infrastructure challenges involving water, wastewater, drainage, stormwater, power, transportation, and economic development. Discussions will also highlight opportunities to improve access to state and federal funding, maximize infrastructure investment, and strengthen regional competitiveness through collaborative planning.
During the 89th Texas Legislature, Senator Hinojosa authored Senate Bill 1169, legislation that expanded opportunities for regional infrastructure cooperation through Public Utility Agencies. The law provides local governments and public entities with additional tools to coordinate major infrastructure projects, leverage economies of scale, and pursue shared solutions to regional needs.
“As South Texas continues to grow, our infrastructure planning must evolve with it,” Hinojosa said. “The challenges facing our communities do not stop at city or county lines. Water, drainage, power, transportation, and economic development are regional issues that require regional solutions. Public Utility Agencies provide a framework for communities to work together, maximize resources, and better prepare for future growth.”
Attendees will hear from nationally recognized leaders in water policy, infrastructure finance, and regional development, including Carlos Rubinstein, former Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board and former Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Janet Shensky of Water Finance Exchange; Eric Naranjo of the North American Development Bank; and Buddy Garcia, former Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and a former Commissioner for the Texas Railroad Commission.
The event is designed for cities, counties, water districts, irrigation districts, drainage districts, groundwater conservation districts, river authorities, navigation districts, port authorities, public utility providers, economic development corporations, planning organizations, industrial stakeholders, and community leaders interested in advancing regional infrastructure solutions.
“South Texas is growing, and the infrastructure decisions we make today will shape our region for generations to come,” Hinojosa said. “By working together, we can build stronger systems, attract greater investment, and ensure our communities are prepared for the opportunities ahead. South Texas is strongest when we work together to build for the future.”
Event Details
Wednesday, June 3, 2026,
2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center
751 Harlingen Heights Drive
Harlingen, Texas 78552
