< ► > A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for The Corner Store at Shops at 493, a public/private partnership between the City of Donna, Donna Economic Development Corporation and Terracor Development.

DONNA, RGV – A golden age appears to be dawning for the City of Donna with more vehicles using the international bridge, sales tax revenues increasing, retail development springing up along Expressway 83, and renovations underway for recreational areas.

Two more examples of the progress being made have been announced: a groundbreaking for a travel center that will be located at the new $52 million development, Shops at 493; and a new phone app that allows smartphone users to access a live view of the international bridge.

The City of Donna has created the new phone app. Cameras located at the Donna-Rio Bravo bridge will allow users to see a live stream of current traffic entering the U.S. Thus, Mexican tourists entering the U.S. will be able to see how long the lines are. The app is currently available to users with iOS and Android software. Users are able to download the app for free.

The application can be found in the app store search bar under “Puente Donna.” Other features that users can expect to find on the app are information on tolls, contacts, announcements, and bridge hours.

The new travel center, to be known as The Corner Store, is part of Shops at 493, a public/private partnership between the City, Economic Development Corporation and Terracor Development that is being developed at the corner of Interstate 2 and Salinas International Boulevard.

Lyle Garza, director of economic development for Donna, said the Corner Store is unveiling a new prototype in the Rio Grande Valley. “The new Corner Store is on the main corridor between Donna and the Donna/Rio Bravo International Bridge. Travelers will be able to take advantage of its convenient location and friendly atmosphere. It is going to be a whole new shopping experience for commuters,” Garza said.

Garza and Donna Interim City Manager Ernesto Silva attended the groundbreaking.

“The C-Store opening is going to be a great asset to the City because it gives members of the community an opportunity to have more options to shop in Donna. It will ease congestion from the other service stations in the area, another great day for Donna,” Silva said.