Hidalgo County Judge reacts to establishment of National Defense Area

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez responded to the Department of Defense designating portions of Hidalgo and Cameron counties as National Defense Areas.

According to a statement from the U.S Air Force, land in South Texas previously under the control of the International Boundary and Water Commission has been transferred to the General Services Administration and appointed as a national defense area.

Portions of Hidalgo and Cameron County will now be administered as part of Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

According to a release from Hidalgo County, Judge Cortez noted that there has been no direct communication between Hidalgo County and the Department of Defense regarding the establishment of the National Defense Area.

“I welcome the brave service men and women who have volunteered to protect our nation, but I also encourage the Department of Defense and United States Air Force leadership to visit with us local leaders as soon as possible," Hidalgo County Judge Cortez said.

"It is imperative that we all understand the mission and objectives so that we may work together to protect our citizens.”