Projects

A collection of the projects, programs, incentives and resources the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has collaborated or created for the benefit of our most important stakeholders: the residents of Brownsville, Texas.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2020

Brownsville (Re)Open for Business Forgivable Loan

Financial Assistance with short-term, 0% interest, forgivable loans up to $10,000 to assist Brownsville businesses.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2020

Brownsville Cares Grant Program

For Businesses seeking $50,000 to $5,000,000 in funding, BCIC is able to grant $5,000 – $10,000 to be used towards the collateral for a $100,000 SBA loan (10%).

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2020

Economic Impact Grant

BCIC is seeking to partner with private organizations or corporations that seek creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in Brownsville, Texas.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2020

StartUp Texas Seed Fund

BCIC sponsored seed fund that invests in Texas-based seed and early stage companies. Qualified Candidates and Graduates of the eBridge Center will have a chance to compete for a share of $100,000 through our program.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2019

Expanding Frontiers

BCIC has funded Expanding Frontiers, whose mission is to develop the commercial space ecosystem and educational programs that will help foster improved employment programs in both Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley.

COMMUNITY PROJECT – 2019

Inclusion Caboose Project

In partnership with the Brownsville Wellness Coalition, BCIC  funded exterior improvements in the area surrounding the caboose located in Southern Pacific Linear Park.

Brownsville Market Square
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2019

B.I.G. Grant Program

BIG Grant program created by BCIC to provide financial support to commercial property owners and tenants to make quality exterior and interior improvements to their commercial buildings and property in downtown Brownsville.

Brownsville International Airport
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2018

New Passenger Terminal

BCIC has committed to a 5 year agreement assisting in the construction of a new airport terminal at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport.

PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2018

West Brownsville Little League

BCIC funded various physical and aesthetic improvements to the West Brownsville Little League (WBLL) Park including an ADA-accessible Miracle T-Ball Field. The improvements will increase the capacity of participating baseball, softball, and t-ball players, accommodate special needs players, and better accommodate the visitors.

Brownsville Bike Barn
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2018

City of Brownsville PARD Advisory Board

BCIC funded a project to address the absence of a bathroom for public visitors and those volunteering at the Brownsville Bike Barn. Visitors to the Bike Barn and children obtaining volunteer hours will benefit from the use of bathroom where one currently does not exist.

ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2018

Community Building & Economic Development through the Arts

BCIC helped to fund repairs, replacement and innovations to maintain the building in a safety and adequate conditions for the visitors, tourism and staff. Art Classroom innovation included the installation of roll-up blinds to cover the windows to keep adequate temperatures and not put additional stress on the HVAC system.

Brownsville Firefighters
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2018

Fire Training Field & Renovation

BCIC funded upgrades to Fire Station 8 at the Port of Brownsville to make it a training facility with a new drill tower and liquid petroleum gas piping to allow live fire training/cross-training facility for Space X First Responders and other public and private entities, and become the hub for the Brownsville and Cameron County Fire Departments, and attract First Responder Training opportunities to Brownsville.

Historic Brownsville Texas
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2018

San Fernando Building Restoration

BCIC funded a project is to rehabilitate the San Fernando Building’s roof, the interior concrete beams and floors, plumbing, brick repairs, and doors and window repairs. The damage to the building varies by section; this project is phased out to prioritize the most critical repairs. The project aims to both redevelop a building for future leasing and enhance the aesthetics of the Downtown area.

Brownsville Belden Trail
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2017

Sabal Palm Sanctuary Interpretation & Maintenance

BCIC funded a project to install a series of over 100 interpretational signs and provide self-guided bilingual audio tours to help visitors better experience and understand the natural and cultural history of southern tip of Texas. Additionally, the funds will assist in expanding and improving the Sanctuary’s infrastructure.

Brownsville Belden Trail
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2017

Belden Trail Phase 3

BCIC funded a project to extend the existing Belden cycle and pedestrian trail by converting ½ mile of the abandoned rail line easement located between 10th and 12th street to connect East Tyler Street to East Filmore Street.

Brownsville Market Square
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2017

Market Square Restoration Project – Phase II

BCIC funded project to renovate the second floor of the Market Square building and will include converting a repository space for archive collections, revolving exhibit rooms, meeting and conference center space to host large groups, updated restrooms, a renovated vault for collections, and work stations to give opportunity for researchers to study local history.

Rhino
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2017

South Texas Botanical Exhibit & Park Renovation

BCIC funded project to construct new concrete walkways, install new rubber matting, and address the rusted metal on the playground structures at the Gladys Porter Zoo.

PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2017

Riverside Park Redevelopment

BCIC funded installation of a TRAPS-awarded playground, improving the trailhead to the Belden Connect Trail, adding new exercise equipment, improve parking lot, and park amenities.

Brownsville Market Square
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – 2017

Main Street District Downtown Beautification Project

BCIC assisted in funding the Main Street Beautification Program to improve physical appearance and curb appeal of vacant buildings surrounding the downtown Market Square area.

RECREATIONAL FACILITY, TOURISM – 2017

Brownsville Sports Park Turf Field Improvements Project

Replacement of existing synthetic turf field, purchase and installation of 8′ offset goals, purchase and installation of electronic scoreboard with LED video and audio.

storm water rover
STREETS, ROADS, DRAINAGE & RELATED IMPROVEMENTS – 2015

Stormwater Rover Purchase

BCIC assisted in funding the purchase a Rover system dedicated to the mapping/inspection/monitoring of the City’s stormwater system.

Brownsville Little League
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2015

West Brownsville League Capital Improvements

BCIC assisted in the purchase and install two (2) permanent baseball pitching mounds and raise the existing fence on one of the fields to address a safety issue by helping to prevent foul balls from entering the playground area and backyards of the neighboring homes at the West Brownsville Little League Park.

MASS TRANSIT PROJECT – 2015

Brownsville Metro ADA Bus Stops Enhancement Project – Southmost

BCIC assisted B Metro in constructing ADA bus stops enhancements along fixed routes 6 & 8 in Southmost area; include bus shelters and benches; shelter pads, ADA ramps, and sidewalks.

ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2015

Gladys Porter Zoo Guest Services Improvements

Construction of a Membership Center in front of the Gladys Porter Zoo; Replacing the exit turnstiles; Building a shaded Gift Shop Patio; Modernized the vintage gift shop with new flooring, ceiling tiles, slatwall, and relocation of an entry door to a new patio/exit complex.

costumes of the americas
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2015

Costumes of the Americas Improvements

Purchase and replacement of 7 HVAC units that services the entire Mitte Cultural Education Center (Children’s Museum of Brownsville & Costumes of Americas).

Dome at Brownsville Market Square
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2015

Market Square Tower Restoration & Dome Replacement Project

BCIC funed part of the restoration of the Market Square Tower and replacement of the dome portion of the building.

childrens museum brownsville
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2015

Children’s Museum of Brownsville Shade Cover

BCIC assisted in expanding the outdoor exhibit shade structure that will cover the painting and musical instrument area and add a canopy over the front entrance of the Children’s Museum.

civil war trail
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM – 2015

Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail Heritage Tourism Awareness Project

Erecting Rio Grande Valley Civil War Trail highway signs throughout Brownsville to promote tourism at Brownsville’s Civil War historical sites. In addition, maps of the trail will be placed in historic and tourist-centered locations in Brownsville.

PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS – 2015

Save Camp Lula Sams

Assist in the purchase of a conservation easement that will protect in perpetuity 75 acres of the 85.7 acre tract known as Camp Lula Sams.

camille playhouse
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2015

Camille Playhouse Theatrical Lighting Renovation Project Phase II

Second phase of lighting renovations along the catwalk and auditorium seating.

COMMUNITY SPACE – 2015

Brownsville Community Resource Center (BCRC)

Assist in the rehabilitate of a city owned building to establish a resource center for community services with a special focus on Brownsville veterans.

brownsville perkins to champion
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS – 2014

Perkins to Champion Greenway

Original application proposed was for 10′ shared use concrete path along the drainage canal with signage, accessible ramps, lighting, rest area. Board approved for engineering and site plans to get the project shovel ready.

brownsville perkins to champion
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS – 2014

Southmost Hike & Bike Trail

For lighting and landscaping of the 1.8 mile hike and bike trail in the Southmost area.

Brownsville Battlefield Trail
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS – 2014

Brownsville’s Battlefield Trail Improvements Project

BCIC funded the purchase and installation of signage, trail markers and wayfinding along the historic hike and bike trail.

flamingos gladys porter zoo
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Gladys Porter Zoo Flamingo Encounter

BCIC funded a project to redesign current exhibit into a display that will promote breeding and able visitors to interact and feed the young under supervision.

ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Sabal Palm Sanctuary Encounter

BCIC funded project to construct a building for an educational/ exhibition to host exhibits that will focus on the biodiversity and cultural legacy of the Rio Grande Delta and will also serve as a meeting/lecture hall.

ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Community Voice Survey Kiosks Project

BCIC funded the installation of kiosks throughout the city to increase the citizens’ feedback to efficiently and effectively implement community need projects.

caf museum
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Phase I – Brownsville Historic Transportation Museum (BHTM) Site Plan and Preliminary Engineering

Site plan and preliminary engineering for the new location of the CAF-RGV museum off Boca Chica, north side of the airport.

camille playhouse
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Camille Playhouse Stage Curtains Replacement Project Phase I

Install new curtains on the theater stage, to improve the lighting and acoustics and will allow contractors to refurbish the tracks and pulley systems to the fly floor.

caf museum
ENTERTAINMENT, MUSEUM, TOURISM – 2014

Brownsville Civil Air Patrol EOC/Museum Restroom Facility

Construction and completion of restroom facilities at their new training location and Civil Air Patrol WWII Museum.

South Padre Island
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2014

Brownsville Beautification Committee Project

Purchase of equipment to assist staff and volunteers in the clean-up around parks, visitor attractions and neighborhoods.

Downtown Brownsville
PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2014

Belden Connect Project

Expansion of the Belden Trail between Palm Blvd and Old Alice Rd and conversion of right of way along Old Alice Rd to Jackson St.

PARKS & OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENT – 2014

Cemetery Resaca Restoration Project

BCIC funded a project including resaca bank improvements, stormwater management, water quality monitoring and educational outreach.