Morales Criticizes Lack of Coordination Between Del Rio and County Officials, Discusses Funding and Infrastructure

State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. raises concerns over local government cooperation while outlining funding for Val Verde County, data center safeguards, border barriers and support for a second international bridge.

DEL RIO, Texas — State Representative Eddie Morales Jr. expressed frustration over difficulties coordinating legislative priorities among Del Rio and Val Verde County officials, warning that disagreements between local governments could weaken the community’s ability to secure state and federal support.

During an interview with Del Rio News Network’s The Political Point, Morales also discussed funding for local infrastructure and education, proposed regulations for data centers, border security projects and the future of international trade.

Morales, a Democrat representing Texas House District 74, is seeking reelection against Republican challenger and former Del Rio Mayor Robert Garza in the November 3 general election.

Throughout the nearly 90-minute interview, Morales defended his legislative record and addressed concerns that Del Rio has received less attention and funding than neighboring Eagle Pass.

Morales Criticizes Lack of Local Government Coordination

One of Morales’s more pointed criticisms concerned the difficulty of establishing a unified legislative agenda among local governments in Del Rio and Val Verde County.

“I have been unable to receive a unified legislative priorities letter from Del Rio and Valverde,” Morales said.

He explained that instead of receiving a collective list of priorities, he has requested individual submissions from the City of Del Rio, Val Verde County, the Chamber of Commerce and other local representatives.

Morales also expressed frustration that public officials interested in holding joint planning workshops have encountered resistance.

“It is sad,” Morales said, describing local public servants who want to participate in planning workshops but have faced opposition and obstacles.

He did not identify specific officials as responsible for those difficulties.

Morales compared the situation to previous disputes between Eagle Pass and Maverick County, recalling a period when disagreements between local leaders hindered regional progress.

He credited improved cooperation and joint planning workshops with helping those governments establish common legislative priorities and pursue funding opportunities.

Morales warned that unresolved disagreements could cause state and federal agencies to focus their attention elsewhere.

“Meanwhile, while you’re going back and forth, back and forth, the state agencies are looking at that, the federal agencies are looking at that,” Morales said.

He suggested that agencies could set Del Rio and Val Verde County aside in favor of communities presenting clearer, unified plans.

The warning did not establish that any particular project or funding award has already been lost because of local disagreements.

Morales emphasized that city, county and other local officials should meet regularly to identify shared priorities before approaching state lawmakers and funding agencies.

“You gotta have a unified voice,” he said.

Funding for Del Rio and Val Verde County

Morales also addressed questions about the distribution of state resources throughout District 74, outlining several funding allocations and projects he said demonstrate investments in Del Rio and Val Verde County.

Among the figures he highlighted were $8.6 million for Laughlin Air Force Base-related improvements, $10 million for Southwest Texas College expansion, $3 million for Sul Ross State University improvements in Del Rio and $1.5 million for RM 1024 road improvements.

Morales explained that while state legislators can appropriate funding and assist with grant opportunities, local governments must still submit applications and complete the necessary requirements.

His remarks connected the importance of local grant applications with his broader argument that government entities should establish clear priorities and coordinate their efforts.

The funding figures were provided by Morales during the interview; individual award statuses and disbursements require confirmation with the administering agencies.

Data Centers and Local Government Protections

Addressing growing concerns about proposed data center developments, Morales said he supports economic investment but believes developers should meet specific environmental and infrastructure requirements.

“You cannot be going in there and asking for tax abatements and taking the money that actually rightfully belongs to the local people,” Morales said.

He identified electricity consumption, water usage, noise and proximity to residential neighborhoods as major concerns.

Morales argued that data center operators should generate their own electricity rather than placing additional demand on local electrical infrastructure.

He also supported requiring developers to use alternative water sources, including produced water from oil and gas operations where feasible, or closed-loop cooling systems to limit freshwater consumption.

Morales said he wants the Texas Legislature to establish minimum standards for data center developments and encouraged local governments to adopt resolutions supporting additional protections.

His position was not an outright rejection of data centers but rather support conditioned on safeguards intended to protect local resources and residents.

Second International Bridge and Regional Development

Morales expressed support for Del Rio pursuing a second international bridge, particularly one designed to accommodate commercial transportation.

“I would heavily support Valverde’s or Del Rio’s request for a tier one commercial bridge,” Morales said.

He argued that a commercial-focused crossing could help position Del Rio to capture additional international freight traffic moving between Mexico and the United States.

However, Morales emphasized that local governments must first develop a unified vision for the project, including its proposed location, design and long-term economic objectives.

He pointed to cooperation among public entities in other border communities as examples of how coordinated planning can strengthen applications for infrastructure funding and federal approvals.

Morales warned that disagreements over major projects could delay progress while neighboring communities move forward with their own proposals.

His comments on the second bridge reinforced his broader criticism of local government coordination, emphasizing that major infrastructure projects require shared priorities and consistent communication among public officials.

Border Barriers and Federal Spending

Morales also addressed controversy surrounding proposed border wall and vehicle barrier construction across West Texas, including environmentally sensitive areas near Big Bend.

“First and foremost, we need to make clear that I am a big proponent for law enforcement and for border security,” Morales said.

He referenced his previous support for Operation Lone Star funding while questioning the cost and effectiveness of constructing physical barriers in certain remote areas.

Morales argued that some federal spending on border barriers could instead address infrastructure needs in border communities, including highway improvements, water systems, healthcare and education.

He also raised concerns about the environmental impact of construction in Big Bend National Park and surrounding areas.

His remarks distinguished support for immigration enforcement from support for particular border construction projects.

Key Takeaways

Throughout the interview, Morales emphasized that greater coordination among Del Rio and Val Verde County officials is necessary to advance legislative priorities and compete for state and federal resources.

He outlined funding commitments and proposed investments in education, transportation and infrastructure while acknowledging that some projects remain pending or subject to additional approvals.

On data centers, Morales supported stricter environmental and infrastructure safeguards rather than an outright prohibition.

He also expressed support for a commercial-focused second international bridge, questioned certain border barrier expenditures and emphasized the importance of unified planning among local governments.

While Morales identified several funding opportunities and legislative priorities, questions remain about project timelines, final funding approvals and the ability of local officials to establish common objectives.

The full interview is available through Del Rio News Network’s The Political Point, an interview series featuring candidates and elected officials discussing issues affecting Del Rio, Val Verde County and surrounding communities.