Latest news with #ValleyInternationalAirport
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Emails show dueling plans for Harlingen airport firefighting services
May 27—HARLINGEN — For months, city and airport officials have been debating two proposals known as Plan A and Plan B. In the last few weeks, Valley International Airport officials' Plan A has come to the forefront, a proposal to hire Pro-Tec Fire Services, an Appleton, Wisconsin, company that's become North America's biggest provider of aircraft rescue and firefighting services. At City Hall, airport officials' plan to terminate the city's $1.2 million agreement providing the Harlingen Fire Department's airport firefighting services is drawing opposition. In response to the plan, the Harlingen Professional Firefighters' Association is warning it would file a lawsuit against the city if the airport's board of directors hires Pro-Tec, arguing the move could lead to a violation of Civil Service law protecting firefighters' jobs. Meanwhile, Marv Esterly, the airport's aviation director, is standing behind the proposal to hire Pro-Tec. While Pro-Tec is offering its services for $973,000 as part of a proposed five-year contract, the city's planning to boost the fire department's fees by 7% next year and then by 8% in 2027. For the airport operating on a break-even budget, Pro-Tec, which serves more than 20 U.S. airports, would help save about $1.9 million during the next five years. Esterly has also expressed concern over the fire department's federal training violations. From 2017 to 2024, the FAA cited the department for three training violations while last year Esterly self-reported "misleading" entries raising concerns of the possibility of records falsifications in training logs stemming from two classes last June and July. THE PLANS An email thread helps outline officials' discussions over the proposal they call Plan A. In response to the Valley Morning Star's request filed under the Texas Public Information Act, Esterly released emails sent from April 29, 2024 to April 16. In a Feb. 26 email to Mayor Norma Sepulveda, Esterly addressed concerns leading him to propose hiring Pro-Tec. "The rising cost of ARFF services is placing significant strain on the airport's budget," he wrote. "The current ARFF arrangement is unsustainable, placing significant financial stain on the airport." Then Esterly pointed to what he described as "safety and regulatory compliance." "FAA-mandated training standards must be met to maintain (the airport's) Part 139 certification," he wrote to Sepulveda, referring to the FAA's airport operations certification. "Given budgetary constraints and critical safety and compliance concerns, Plan A remains the most prudent and responsible path forward to ensure regulatory compliance and public safety." Meanwhile, Plan B would consist of an overhaul of the fire department's ARFF program. Under Plan B, the department would "implement FAA-recommended best management practices to enhance compliance and transparency," Esterly wrote to Sepulveda, adding the proposal would "address systemic failures in training oversight and establish strict compliance measures to prevent future violations." Esterly then referred to a memorandum of understanding specifying firefighters' qualifications and requirements. While Plan B would call for a "cost-sharing strategy" to "develop a financially sustainable ARFF plan that aligns with federal regulations while balancing fiscal responsibility," the proposal would also "evaluate the current MOU to determine necessary modifications, replacement or possible termination," he wrote. In an April 29, 2024, email to City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez, Esterly expressed concern over what he described as rising costs stemming from fire department ARFF staffing leading to overtime pay. "It has come to our attention that there is a recurring practice of calling in ARFF alternatives from different shifts, rather than utilizing those assigned to the current shift," he wrote. "This has resulted in increased overtime costs that area subsequently billed to the airport." Esterly argued overtime billing violates the parties' agreement. "According to our current memorandum of understanding, the airport board should not have to bear the financial responsibility for overtime expenses that arise due to the city's failure to maintain adequate staffing levels, including the provision of designated alternatives for each shift," he wrote to Gonzalez. "Maintaining compliance with our MOU is crucial to ensure the cost-effectiveness and regulatory adherence of the ARFF services provided." In a Feb. 25 email, Sepulveda pointed to "legal challenges surrounding privatization," adding Gonzalez was working to address overtime costs. Meanwhile, City Attorney Mark Sossi argued the Texas Government Code's Civil Service stance prohibited the city from hiring a contractor such a Pro-Tec. "After review of the legal issues at hand, we believe that Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code will be a legal bar to privatization of the firefighters positions," he wrote in a Dec. 2, 2024, email to Gene McCullough, the airport board's attorney. "This will also confirm that the city, as the airport sponsor, has not given its consent to the privatization of AARF functions at the Valley International Airport." Earlier this month, Evan Mann, president of the Harlingen Professional Firefighters Association, warned city commissioners the union would file a lawsuit against the city if they didn't stop the airport board from hiring a contractor. In an interview, Mann said the board's hiring of a contractor would violate Civil Service law protecting firefighters who could lose their jobs. Mann also claimed airport officials were overstating FAA reports citing "isolated" firefighter training violations as part of a plan to "discredit" the fire department in order to lead the airport board to terminate the city's $1.2 million agreement providing aircraft rescue and firefighting services. Esterly denied the claims. In February, the FAA closed a 2024 investigation stemming from Esterly's move to report "discrepancies" in two firefighter training classes held last June and July. "The FAA determined training and misleading entries to be directly isolated to the identified sessions and not systemic to the entire ARFF training program," Denson E. Stasher, the agency's safety and standards manager, wrote to Esterly in a Feb. 19 report closing the investigation. "In closing this case, we have considered all available facts and have concluded the matter does not warrant legal enforcement." In its investigation report, the FAA found the fire department's ARFF program in "full compliance," Erik Ramirez, the union's vice president, said in an interview. Meanwhile, Mann said airport officials were overlooking the fire department's five years of "perfect scores" on its annual FAA inspections. Featured Local Savings
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
US judge says Trump can use Alien Enemies Act for deportations
FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan migrants are pat-down before boarding a repatriation flight as a part of an immigration enforcement process, at the Valley International Airport, in Harlingen, Texas, U.S. October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril/File Photo (Reuters) - A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled the United States can use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to fast-track the deportation of accused Venezuelan gang members in the state's western district, but must give them at least 21 days' notice and the opportunity to challenge their removals. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines ruled that President Donald Trump has authority to declare Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization and deport its members under the Alien Enemies Act. She made the ruling in court papers in the case of a Venezuelan man known as A.S.R. The judge did not rule whether A.S.R. was a member of the gang, and said that people like him must be given the chance to challenge their deportations. Haines, appointed by Trump during his first term, appears to be the first judge to back his administration's interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, which the president invoked in March as legal justification for deporting hundreds of men his administration accused of being Tren de Aragua members. Judges in New York, Colorado and Texas have ruled against Trump's use of the law to deport Venezuelans. Haines said that the government must provide notice in Spanish and English, and provide interpreters when necessary. The Trump administration has deported alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an arrangement in which the United States is paying the Central American nation $6 million. It is part of Trump's hardline approach toward immigration. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and Dietrich Knauth; Editing by Chris Reese and Nia Williams)
Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US judge says Trump can use Alien Enemies Act for deportations
FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan migrants are pat-down before boarding a repatriation flight as a part of an immigration enforcement process, at the Valley International Airport, in Harlingen, Texas, U.S. October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril/File Photo US judge says Trump can use Alien Enemies Act for deportations A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled the United States can use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to fast-track the deportation of accused Venezuelan gang members in the state's western district, but must give them at least 21 days' notice and the opportunity to challenge their removals. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines ruled that President Donald Trump has authority to declare Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua a terrorist organization and deport its members under the Alien Enemies Act. She made the ruling in court papers in the case of a Venezuelan man known as A.S.R. The judge did not rule whether A.S.R. was a member of the gang, and said that people like him must be given the chance to challenge their deportations. Haines, appointed by Trump during his first term, appears to be the first judge to back his administration's interpretation of the Alien Enemies Act, which the president invoked in March as legal justification for deporting hundreds of men his administration accused of being Tren de Aragua members. Judges in New York, Colorado and Texas have ruled against Trump's use of the law to deport Venezuelans. Haines said that the government must provide notice in Spanish and English, and provide interpreters when necessary. The Trump administration has deported alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador under an arrangement in which the United States is paying the Central American nation $6 million. It is part of Trump's hardline approach toward immigration. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
DA: No comment on 'pending investigation' on HFD allegations
May 1—HARLINGEN — The Cameron County District Attorney's Office is not commenting on a "pending investigation" into whether the Harlingen Fire Department falsified Valley International Airport firefighter training records. On Thursday, District Attorney Luis V. Saenz declined to comment. "The DA's office does not comment on pending investigations," he said. On April 24, the district attorney's office requested city officials provide Federal Aviation Administration documents including information regarding the fire department's "misleading entries" into training records, City Attorney Mark Sossi said. In response, he provided the district attorney's office with two FAA investigation reports dated Feb. 19, he said in an interview. Sossi said he had no other FAA documents stemming from the agency's investigation. "We gave the DA everything we had from the FFA," City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said, referring to the two Feb. 19 FAA documents. Meanwhile, Marv Esterly, Valley International Airport's aviation director, said the district attorney's office had not contacted his office. On April 22, the district attorney's office said it was requesting the FAA provide "their report regarding the Harlingen Fire Department's Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training compliance documents and related records for Valley International Airport." Late last year, Esterly contacted the FAA after three airport firefighters signed affidavits claiming deficiencies appearing to contradict records stemming from two training sessions conducted in June and July 2024, a Dec. 5, 2024 report shows. "The discrepancies between the actual training conducted and the official training records raise the possibility of falsification," Esterly wrote the report to the FAA. In one affidavit, a driver "indicates that the training session lasted less than 20 minutes and did not include hands-on training, despite the official training record inaccurately stating the session lasted one hour with no indication of skill performance being conducted," he wrote. "Sworn affidavits from two ARFF personnel indicate that this class was significantly abbreviated, lasting only 14 minutes and, like the June session, lacked hands-on training," Esterly wrote in the report. "These discrepancies conflict with the official training record, which inaccurately claims compliance with the FAA-approved curriculum." In response, he reported concerns of falsified training records to Fire Chief Rafael Balderas, Esterly said. "Chief Balderas has informed me that he is investigating the allegations," Esterly wrote in the report. "Additionally, I, along with the airport board chairman and the airport board attorney have met with the mayor, city manager and the city attorney to discuss these findings. During our meeting, they advised that they are committed to investigating these findings thoroughly ...." As part of their investigation, city officials requested an internal audit into the allegations, the report states. During the audit, Sanjuana Garcia, the city's internal auditor, reviewed the records, Esterly said. "She reviewed all training records for the ARFF and found no discrepancies," Gonzalez said. Meanwhile, FAA officials interviewed a group of airport firefighters regarding allegations of abbreviated classes and failure to conduct hands-on training. "HFD entered misleading entries into the June 13, 2024 and July 11, 2024 training record relative to the sufficiency and quality of the training," the FAA wrote in a Feb. 19 report. "The entries raised questions relative to potential falsification, reproduction or alteration of applications, certificates, reports or records in accordance" with the Code of Federal Regulations. In its investigation, the FAA found "inadequate training and misleading entries to be directly isolated to the identified sessions and not systemic to the entire ARFF training program," the agency's report stated. In closing the case, FAA officials "concluded the matter does not warrant legal enforcement." "We will expect your future compliance with the regulations," Denson E. Stasher, the FAA's manager of safety and standards branch, wrote in the report. Last month, the airport's board of directors tabled action on a proposed resolution calling for the termination of the airport's $1.2 million agreement with the city providing the fire department's aircraft rescue and firefighting services. Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Efforts to designate PBG port of entry underway
PLATTSBURGH — Efforts to get Plattsburgh International Airport designated a 'port of entry' are in full swing once again. On April 17, NY-21 Congresswoman Elise Stefanik reintroduced the bipartisan Border Airport Fairness Act to designate Plattsburgh International Airport as a port of entry, which would save the airport around $800,000 per year. 'The Border Airport Fairness Act will save Plattsburgh International Airport hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by ensuring that it receives the designation it deserves,' Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) wrote. 'My legislation makes certain that Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of Upstate New York and North Country families and continue to provide access for tourists visiting our region.' PBG is one of two airports in the United States in close proximity to a land or border crossing — Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas being the second — that are currently deemed user-fee Primary Commercial Service airports, and are not international or landing rights airports, that have yet to be designated already as a port of entry. 'This bill is great news for our airport and the people who rely on it. Removing the user-fee burden will help us put those dollars back into operations, maintenance, and future improvements,' Clinton County Legislator Bobby Hall (D-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) who chairs the county's Airport Committee, said. 'We appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik's continued support for keeping our airport strong and sustainable.' Being designated as user-fee airports, like PBG is now, requires the airports to pay out of pocket for U.S. Customs and Border Protection services such as security screenings, cargo security and examinations and immigration inspections. 'Plattsburgh International Airport is one of our region's most significant economic drivers, and this legislation addresses a longstanding barrier to its continued growth,' Mark Henry, Clinton County Legislature Chairperson (R-Area 3, Chazy), said. 'Eliminating the financial strain of user-fee status will allow for smarter reinvestment in infrastructure and services. I commend Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership in advancing a solution that enhances regional competitiveness and long-term sustainability.' 'This bill is only fair, treating Plattsburgh International the same as so many other airports,' Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said. 'Its adoption would secure our airport Customs operation permanently and thereby support the development of new international air activities here. and it would free valuable resources for airport marketing, air service development and other improvements. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for being our champion in the House and will continue to support her efforts on our behalf. Onward and upward!' The county has been seeking to land this designation for several years. Stefanik, as well as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, introduced similar legislation in 2023. Stefanik's most recently proposed bill has bipartisan support. 'I'm proud to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on this bipartisan legislation to save South Texans and travelers from duplicative costs,' Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) said. 'As our region continues to rapidly grow, it's essential that our airports and transportation infrastructure not only keep up with increased demand for commercial travel but also continue to support critical federal operations. This legislation is an investment in our future.' Additionally, Stefanik wrote a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last week, requesting the designation be made. In her letter, Stefanik made it clear Plattsburgh International Airport qualifies as a port of entry under Customs and Border Protection criteria, but they have not yet received this designation which has resulted in increased costs for the airport and travelers flying in and out. 'The current passenger volume of Plattsburgh International Airport and land border crossings within 30 miles of PBG is sufficient to be designated as a port of entry,' she wrote. Stefanik said Customs and Border Protection also previously changed the designation of New River Valley Airport in Dublin, Virginia from a user-fee status to a port of entry, setting a precedent for its ability to do so. 'Achieving this status is a federal priority for us and our county partners this year, by whatever method possible, be it legislative or administrative,' Douglas said. 'We thank the Congresswoman for her continued leadership and commitment on this endeavor and will continue to support all approaches.'
