Del Rio Mayor Highlights Infrastructure Plans and Regional Cooperation

Mayor Al Arreola visited Del Rio on January 7 to record an episode of The Building Texas Show with host Justin McKenzie, offering a detailed account of the city’s direction and the practical issues that will shape Val Verde County in the years ahead. The conversation framed Del Rio as a border community moving beyond national headlines to focus on sustained growth built on collaboration, safety, and targeted investment.

At the center of Del Rio’s economic stability is Laughlin Air Force Base, which the mayor cited as an anchor that brings skilled workers and steady economic activity to the region. Arreola noted that many military personnel who arrive for service remain in the community afterward, attracted by affordability and quality of life. He described population stability and inbound relocation from across the country as signals of renewed confidence in the local economy, supported by coordination with state and federal partners.

Regional cooperation with Ciudad Acuña, Eagle Pass, and Piedras Negras emerged as a recurring theme. Rather than competing, Arreola said, border cities are aligning around shared goals: economic growth, secure ports of entry, and efficient cross-border commerce. Those alignments carry practical consequences for Val Verde County residents, from employment prospects to the flow of goods and the handling of daily commuter traffic.

Infrastructure, the mayor said, will define Del Rio’s capacity to support future industry and residents. He highlighted water and wastewater capacity, transportation systems, and border crossing facilities as priorities. A proposed second international bridge remains a contentious topic locally, but officials framed it as a long-term investment in mobility, supply chains, and economic resilience. Decisions on these projects will affect construction jobs, commercial traffic patterns, and the region’s ability to support new businesses.

Tourism and outdoor recreation continue to contribute to the local economy. Lake Amistad draws anglers, hunters, and visitors who sustain events, hospitality, and seasonal tourism even as water levels fluctuate. Those visitors help small businesses across Val Verde County and underscore the need to balance recreational access with infrastructure and environmental planning.

Throughout the discussion, Arreola returned to Del Rio’s welcoming character and the relationships that bind the community. “This is a city built on friendship,” Arreola explains, referencing the enduring meaning of Amistad. “People come here and feel like they belong—and that’s what makes them stay” His remarks positioned Del Rio as a city focused on measurable infrastructure gains and regional cooperation as it plans for the coming decade.