MISSION, Texas – Killam Development’s real estate manager believes the much-anticipated Shary Village Industrial Park in Mission is now on the fast track.

Rolando Ortiz participated in a webinar hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar last week. During the webinar, Cuellar announced $3 million in federal funding for Mission Economic Development Corporation.

Cuellar said these funds will help develop and enhance Shary Village Industrial Park with the construction of water and sewer improvements.

Asked by The Rio Grande Guardian about the timeline for the industrial park’s construction, Ortiz said:

“I believe the process now is, the EDC will be looking at a procedure of going out for request for qualifications from engineering groups and then it is our understanding that it will continue on a normal pattern and we could be under construction between December and January of 2021. It will definitely be on the fast track.”

As real estate manager, Ortiz is responsible for all aspects involving the Killam real estate portfolio. He has been involved with the development of over 700,000 square feet of industrial warehouse space and has developed over 1,000 single family residential lots. 

Ortiz supervises all leasing, facilitates management, maintenance, marketing and property value enhancement of the real estate investment portfolio. He has a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International University and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Texas State University.  

Ortiz holds a Texas Brokers License and is a Certified Shopping Center Manager and a Certified Retail Property Executive designated by the International Council of Shopping Centers. He is a former President of the Laredo Builders Association and the Laredo Development Foundation and currently sits on the Texas Freight Advisory Committee for the Texas Department of Transportation.

In his remarks during the webinar, Congressman Cuellar said the $3 million investment in infrastructure is coming from the Economic Development Administration. He predicted the Shary project will create close to 300 jobs, attract private investment, expand manufacturing support, and improve the area’s resilience against future natural disasters in Hidalgo County.

“This funding is critical to strengthening our economy and expanding job growth in our South Texas border communities,” Cuellar said. “Funding will improve Shary Village Industrial Park by installing electricity, water, and roadways, therefore attracting future investors and support in the area.”

EDA Regional Director Jorge Ayala spoke on the webinar. He said the City of Mission has faced immense economic loss due to severe natural disasters, such as flooding and rain. As a result, Ayala said, the EDA funding will help address post-disaster recovery from the severe rain and flooding in June of 2018.

Ayala pointed out that mission of the EDA is to promote competitiveness and prepare the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. He said the funding was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, which EDA funds to bring together the public and private sectors in creating an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy.

Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña also spoke on the webinar.

“This is a major win as we continue to see unprecedented momentum in our City. I want to commend Congressman Cuellar and our EDC for their tremendous efforts in assisting us in receiving these financial resources from the U.S. Economic Development Administration,” O’Caña said. 

“The new funding positions our community for additional economic development opportunities and the money will help to enhance Shary Village Industrial Park, attracting future investors and making Mission a business investment and quality of life leader in the area. As an overall impact this monies will serve as a continuous catalyst for both current and future growth.”

Another speaker on the webinar was Daniel Silva, CEO of Mission EDC.

“This grant presents an exciting opportunity for our city’s economic growth, especially during a time when many of our residents are still struggling due to COVID-19,” Silva said.

“In addition to bringing over 300 jobs to our area, these funds will also help alleviate some long-standing drainage issues and allow us to make other infrastructure improvements that will serve our community well for years to come.”

In a news release, Cliffe Killam, president and CEO of Killam Development, said: “The critical infrastructure made possible by this grant will benefit generations of businesses that will locate at the Sharyland Business Park. It will help establish a strong economic footprint, and it will help mitigate future floods that could potentially damage or ruin these small businesses.”

According to a news release, the Shary project will encompass approximately 130 acres, preparing the park for industrial development and international trade. The federal investment is to be matched with $750,000 in local investment from Mission EDC, and is expected to create 300 jobs, while bringing in more than $57 million in private investment.

Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news story shows Rolando Ortiz of Killam Development.


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