Our Community

Planning Our Future

The Zapata County Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Zapata County and its partners, have conducted a number of surveys, business meetings, community forums, and planning meetings to share ideas regarding the future of Zapata County. In, February 2007, Dr. Richard Tangum and David Dodd facilitated a county wide meeting at the Zapata County Courthouse to begin working groups were organized to address specific priority areas. These include the following working groups:

Education Center Workgroup:
This workgroup is to provide counsel to education leaders, public officials, administrators, and others in Zapata County on issues related to education and workforce development. As part of that mission, the workgroup worked closely with Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University in Laredo to explore the possibility of college-level courses in Zapata County. It was to take the lead in advancing the Zapata County Higher Education Advanced Technology Center to be located in Zapata.

Tourism Workgroup:
This workgroup is to recommend actions to expand tourism in Zapata County. It targets several projects including the development of a multi-faceted exposition center: heritage museum; historical sites in the county; cultural center; recreation sites around Falcon Lake/Reservoir; a world-class birding center and of a countywide beautification effort. To address the promotion of tourism related to business opportunities in the County. To also explore ways to transform San Ygnacio into a historical destination for Zapata County.

Telecommunication/Technology Workgroup:
This workgroup is centered on activities on improving the level of technology and telecommunication opportunities in the County. Including in making access and expanding high-speed internet services more affordable to local citizens; developing a technology support center; providing additional technology access to businesses in the county; and improving and increasing educational opportunities/skills in technology for all citizens in Zapata County.

Infrastructure Workgroup:
This workgroup is come up with a strategy to improve Zapata County infrastructure long-term growth potential. The workgroup addressed different issues regarding the community of Zapata; a regional transportation center and logistics hub; prospects of creating a regional air cargo facility; improving water/sewer area and solid waste infrastructures; developing rail access; building a international railroad bridge over the Rio Grande River; enhancing road and highway throughout the County to facilitate the movement of people, goods and service.

Economic Development Strategic Plan Workgroup:
This workgroup is responsible for overseeing the development of a future vision plan and an economic strategic plan for the County. This group addressed different issues regarding: the development of an healthcare system; good roads; transportation systems; ensuring that Zapata County has access to sufficient supply of clean water; expanding education opportunities; increasing the level of commercial activities; promoting entrepreneurship and small business development; environment protection; and expanding tourism and recreational assets. The workgroup ensures the need to facilitate smart growth and a development of a vision plan to guide long-term growth.

For more information please visit the Zapata County Economic Development Center website.