El Paso County Commissioners rename Aguilera Highway

The Manuel F. Aguilera Highway is now officially the Aguilera International Highway.

The change was approved unanimously during Moday’s commisioner’s court meeting.

For weeks, commissioners have been discussing changing the name of the Aguilera highway. It was was named for the former Texas Department of Transportation deputy engineer in 2003, but County Judge Veroica Escobar felt a more international trade focus was called for.

Dozens of people spoke in favor of keeping the name in commissioner’s court, or at least keeping it part of any new name.

“Manuel F. Aguilera is my grandfather,” said Alyssa Rosales. “I’m here today to ask you to leave the name of my grandfather.”

After impassioned pleas from all ages by the Aguilera family and friends, commissioner Vince Perez suggested the compromise name, to preserve part of Manny Aguilera’s name for the partially completed highway leading to the Tornillo port of entry.

Aguilera and family members celebrated after the vote.

“Great, great.” Aguilera said, turning to his gathered family behind him. “And I want to say thank you. You all did it. I didn’t.”

Construction on the remaining part of the highway is expected to begin early next year.