County supports border alternative

BROWNSVILLE — Cameron County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution in support of an “alternative solution” to the proposed border fence.

The resolution calls for authorizing and approving the construction and rehabilitation of the flood control levees and an alternative approach to building a fence.

The approval came on the eve of today’s Department of Homeland Security “open house,” in which the federal government is to address its draft Environmental Impact Statement and take public comments.

The resolution is similar to the one that was passed earlier by Hidalgo County commissioners. They had sought support from Cameron County officials, County Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. said.

Commissioners also approved a resolution that urges Congress to implement a freeze on current subprime mortgage interest rates and place a moratorium on home foreclosures.

Officials want Congress to address and pass legislation in 2007 that will address the mortgage crisis issue.

It was unknown if the proposed legislation would benefit homeowners who pay their mortgages on time.

In other business, commissioners voted against providing tax abatement incentives to T-Mobile USA.

The T-Mobile call center opened last week and is expected to provide 75 to 100 jobs this year.

County Judge Carlos H. Cascos said he was against providing incentives to businesses that have already opened. The purpose of providing incentives is to lure new businesses to the area, he said.

Frank Bejarano, the county’s planning director, said that city of Brownsville officials requested that the county offer tax abatement incentives to T-Mobile.