Garza: There’s pent-up demand for more industrial space across the RGV

EDINBURG, Texas – The executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation says there is “pent-up demand” for more industrial space, not just in his city but across the Rio Grande Valley.

Raudel Garza discussed industrial development in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. He said developing the land around South Texas Industrial Airport is part of Edinburg’s answer.

“We have been trying to market all our industrial property. We just finished up a master plan at the Edinburg airport and we have a very good idea of how much it’s going to take to actually develop that property,” Garza said.

“There’s going to be some funding issues that we need to address to make sure that we have sufficient funding to bring the infrastructure into the properties. But we’re pushing that property.”

Garza said Edinburg EDC is also promoting its North Industrial Park.

“We’ve only got about 40 acres left in that North Industrial Park, and we’re talking to people that are going to take up most of that 40 acres. We are trying to identify some additional properties so that we can continue to do industrial development,” Garza said.

“We’re working with some other industrial developers who are interested not only in building the space, the buildings, but also in building some new industrial parks. So, obviously, there’s demand in Edinburg and in the Valley for more space, and we’re just glad that we’re working towards meeting that demand.”

Garza continued: “We do have a pent-up demand for industrial space. There are a lot of companies that come in and are looking for space, and we just don’t have it, whether it’s existing space or build-to-suit space. People are looking for that right now, and they’re looking to move into space within the next 90 to 120 days. And if we can’t hit that mark, then they go elsewhere.”

Garza added: “We want to try to make sure that the developers understand that there’s enough demand out there for them to put some money at risk, and then we have programs that can help offset some of that risk also and mitigate some of that risk, and then bring in those jobs that are so much needed down here.”

In his interview with the Guardian, Garza also spoke about the positive impact the new Hidalgo County Courthouse will have on Edinburg, and the “wonderful partner” that UT-Rio Grande Valley has become.

“They (UTRGV) continue to grow. They’re investing millions into the community. And they’re just great to work with as well,” Garza said. 

Editor’s Note: Here is a video recording of the Guardian’s interview with Raudel Garza:

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