Texas-Mexico Border Region

Improving the quality of life along the Texas-Mexico border is
important to Governor Perry. Governor Perry has enhanced border
infrastructure, improved border medical care, and made the border safer
by increasing law enforcement along the border with Mexico.

Enhanced Border Security

To ensure a stronger law enforcement presence throughout the border
region, Governor Perry worked with local law enforcement to fund
efforts that are singularly focused on the reduction of violent border
crime. In addition to providing several million dollars to local law
enforcement along the border, Governor Perry directed the Texas
Department of Public Safety to deploy a rapid response team of state
troopers, increased patrols and surveillance activities, fixed and
rotary aviation assets, and to permanently assign additional criminal
investigators to support local law enforcement efforts. Perry also
directed Texas Army National Guard planners and analysts to provide
support to law enforcement and ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate
alleged incursions by the Mexican Military.

Improving Colonia Roads

Governor Perry championed the passage of legislation and a
referendum providing for the financing and construction of colonia
access roads. These roads help bring essential services such as school
buses, emergency vehicles and postal vehicles to some of the poorest
Texas communities where roads become treacherous after a downpour. The
funds pay for paving dirt roads, re-paving deteriorating roads, and
constructing drainage structures.

Collecting Mexico’s Water Debt

A 1944 treaty governs how Mexico and the United States share water
along their common border. Mexico was in violation of the treaty for 12
years, withholding water desperately needed by Rio Grande Valley
farmers. Through a series of face-to-face meetings with Mexican
officials, Governor Perry broke the deadlock by offering an acceptable
plan that enabled Mexico to deliver the water it owed to the United
States.

Improving Border Health Care

Governor Perry helped establish a telemedicine project that gives
border residents greater access to healthcare, and improved sanitation
by working with federal officials to provide $800 million for water and
wastewater services for those without. Perry has also been a chief
advocate for the creation and funding of the Texas Tech Medical School
in El Paso and the Irma Rangel School of Pharmacy in Kingsville to
address the long-term medical professional needs along the border.