File an Open Records Request
LRGVDC's open records policies are governed by the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. However, general questions or information about LRGVDC programs and divisions can be answered by a division's staff. LRGVDC also makes a variety of documents publicly available through this website such as its reports, budget documents, and meeting agendas and minutes.
Any information collected, assembled, or maintained by LRGVDC is available to the public and can be acquired through submitting an open records request. Submit a written request using the LRGVDC Public Information Request Form during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, via one of the following options:
Email: lrgvdc@lrgvdc.org
Postal Mail:
Attn: Open Records Requests
Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
301 W Railroad
Weslaco, TX 78596
You may also submit the your request through our online form.
The request does not need to use any special language but should identify as specifically as possible the information being requested. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get the information you really want without getting a lot of extra information. A request will require the requestor's name and contact information such as an email address or phone number. The LRGVDC FOIA form must be used to file a request.
Service Charges
The LRGVDC will charge the following fees for the services or materials keeping consistent with Texas Administrative Code Rule 70.3:
Copy Charge
1. Standard paper copy - 10 cents per page. Each side that has recorded information is considered a page.
2. Nonstandard copy - 50 cents per page for oversize paper copy (e.g.: 11 inches by 17 inches, not including maps and photographs using specialty paper.
Labor - $15/hr. - The labor charge includes the actual time to locate, compile, manipulate data, and reproduce the requested information
A labor charge shall not be billed in connection with complying with requests that are for 50 or fewer pages of paper records, unless the documents to be copied are located in two (2) or more separate buildings that are not physically connected with each other; or a remote storage facility.
When confidential information pursuant to a mandatory exception of the Act is mixed with public information in the same page, a labor charge may be recovered for time spent to redact, blackout, or otherwise obscure confidential information in order to release the public information.
Overhead charge - A charge shall be computed at 20% of the charge made to cover any labor costs associated with a particular request.
Computer resource charge - $1.00 per clock hour per PC or computer used.
Miscellaneous supplies - The actual cost of miscellaneous supplies, such as labels, boxes, and other supplies used to produce the requested information, will be added to the total charge for public information.
Postal and shipping charges - Any related postal or shipping expenses which are necessary to transmit the reproduced information to the requesting party will be added.
These charges are subject to periodic reevaluation and update. The LRGVDC will utilize Public Information Cost Estimate Model provided by the Attorney General of the State of Texas. That cost estimate model can be found at this link: https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/og/public-information-cost-estimate-model
You must respond to any written estimate of charges within 10 days of the date the governmental body sent it or the request for information may be deemed withdrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open record requests are made for records and documents that are collected, assembled, or maintained by LRGVDC. To answer general questions or to receive general information about a LRGVDC program division, contact the program division directly.
The amount of time it takes to fill a request depends on the type and amount of information requested. If LRGVDC cannot give the requested information within 10 working days after receiving a request, LRGVDC will tell the requestor the date and time the information will be available.
The Office of the Attorney General sets what public agencies may charge for information. The rules may be found in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Sections 70.1-70.11. If a request will likely incur a cost, the requestor will be told in writing and given a chance to withdraw or change the request before having to pay.