Roxanna Miranda/The Rider Photo
Jacqueline Peraza | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Almost three weeks since SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk announced his $1o million donation for Downtown Brownsville revitalization via Twitter March 3, a city official says they have received no further information regarding the funds.
Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez stated in an email sent to The Rider last Wednesday, “Brownsville is a special place filled with incredible people and a spirit of progress. It is not surprising that more and more people, organizations, and businesses are looking to be part of Brownsville’s bright future. We look forward to mutually beneficial discussions with Mr. Musk and the SpaceX team, and anyone else looking to partner with the City and our community to support Brownsville’s inclusive future.”
The money is said to come from The Musk Foundation. According to its website, grants made by the foundation are in support of, “renewable energy research and advocacy, human space exploration research and advocacy, pediatric research, science and engineering education, [and] development of safe artificial intelligence to benefit humanity.”
In the March 3 tweet, Musk also announced a $20 million donation to Cameron County school districts.
The donation is set to be split among Brownsville Independent School District, Harlingen Consolidated School District, La Feria Independent School District, Los Fresnos Consolidated School District, Point Isabel Independent School District, Rio Hondo Independent School District, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, Santa Maria Independent School District and Santa Rosa Independent School District.
The Rider attempted to contact Brownsville, Harlingen and Los Fresnos school districts but did not receive a response for comment.
The Rider will provide developments as it receives them.
