Brownsville parts ways with Cannery Public Market construction company: 'constant, significant delays'

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Brownsville has terminated its contract with SAMES, INC., a McAllen-based construction company.

On Tuesday, Brownsville City Commissioners met to discuss the never-ending construction of the Cannery Public Market building.

“The City of Brownsville has made the decision to part ways with McAllen-based SAMES, Inc., the construction company previously hired to build the Brownsville Cannery Public Market,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville.

In 2012, the city of Brownsville purchased the historic Cannery Building.

April 25, 2019:

• Brownsville City leaders talked about making changes to the old building to take the city’s farmers market to the next level.

March 23, 2022:

• Cannery Public Market broke ground in Brownsville with a ceremony.

Mayor Cowen spoke to ValleyCentral on Tuesday and shared that the city of Brownsville is trying to work with the bonding company to complete what they need to finish.

"It's been incredibly frustrating as mayor and as a Brownsville resident to see this project not get completed," the mayor stated.

The mayor says the construction has some defects that need to be addressed by the contractor.

“This decision follows multiple efforts to resolve concerns related to project delays at the cannery, including issues with the timely delivery of equipment.

"The City is actively working through the surety of the construction bond and is now in the process of engaging a new contractor to complete the cannery project."

City Commissioners also decided they will pursue legal action against SAMES, INC. if necessary.