Program Features Aviation Training

South Texas College in partnership with Mid Valley Airport and Hidalgo County Precinct 1 is set to launch a new Avionics Technician Program in Weslaco.

College and local officials gathered in mid-May to formally announce the program’s anticipated start at Mid Valley Airport in the fall of 2026. It is the only program of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. The college’s Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships, (CATA), will administer the program. Precinct 1 through county Commissioner David Fuentes is donating $50,000 to help the program get started.

The avionics program is designed to prepare students with the skills needed to work with aircraft, satellite, radar, and aerospace electrical systems. Two pathways will be offered with one program for adults and another for high school juniors and seniors who can complete the program in two years. There is a growing need for avionics technicians, college and industry leaders say, with SpaceX in Cameron County being one driver of demand.

“As the economy continues to expand in our region, so does the size of our airports and the number of aircraft that will need maintenance and repair,” said Carlos Margo, the dean of the CATA program at South Texas College. “Our Avionics Program will prepare students for real-world application of skills needed for spacecraft.”

The core elements of the Avionics Program focus on the development, installation and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft, satellites and spacecraft and to enhance safety and navigation efficiency. The fundamentals of complying with Federal Aviation Administration regulations are part of the program’s curriculum. 

New Facility Adds To Bridge’s Growth

The nation’s top-ranked international bridge for fresh produce imports is gaining the addition of a nearly 143,00-square-foot logistics center in its network of economic activity.

Robinson Fresh, C.H. Robinson’s fresh supply chains supply division, announced in mid-May the opening of its 142,600-square-foot logistic center just a few miles from the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. The newly constructed building features 69 dock doors, multiple temperature zones, and is designed to allow for faster customs clearance to reduce border-area waiting times. It will boost Robinson Fresh’s abilities to move produce faster from farms to markets and stores.

“Cross-border supply chains demand speed, precision, and a tight focus on each customer’s needs,” said Robinson Fresh president Jose Rossignoli. “This South Texas facility brings those capabilities together in one place, helping customers reduce dwell time, and get products to market faster.”

Robinson Fresh executives say the new facility – one of the largest of its kind along the border – will expand the company’s abilities to inspect, cool, repack and label products and move inventory more quickly and efficiently to its market destinations. The addition of the Robinson Fresh facility adds to the overall volume of the Pharr bridge, which currently handles over 65 percent of all Mexican produce being imported to the United States. The bridge is ranked No. 1 for incoming shipments of avocadoes and tomatoes.

New Restaurant Sees Early Success

One of Weslaco’s newly designed plazas is highlighting the successful launch of one of its tenants. 

Costa Messsa recently opened its third Rio Grande Valley location in a new plaza in the Weslaco Town Center area. The 51-acre center is located near the intersection of Expressway 83 and Westgate Drive. The new plaza where the restaurant is located is among the new and repurposed retail areas in Weslaco that is bringing new developments to a growing city.

The Costa Messa in Weslaco opened in early April and is the first location outside of its two restaurants in McAllen. The new Mid-Valley restaurant occupies 7,000-square-feet of space at the 12,000-square-foot plaza. Marsha Acosta, a co-owner of Costa Messa, says the new Weslaco location has performed strongly due to the brand’s established reputation in the Valley.

“Sales have been very good,” Acosta said. “We’ve had customers say, ‘thank-you for bringing Costa Messa to Weslaco.’ ”

Sandra Charlton, the president of the Weslaco Economic Development Board, says the early success of Costa Messa is just another indication that the Mid-Valley city is primed for more growth as other RGV-based companies open new locations in Weslaco.

“New businesses like this contribute to Weslaco’s economic growth by creating opportunities, attracting investment, and strengthening our local economy as our community continues to expand.”