TECATE.- With an initial investment of twenty million pesos on behalf of the State of Baja, renovation projects in Tecate's old town area will start underway, according to Oscar Escobedo, Secretary of Tourism for the State of Baja in a recent press conference. Tecate is Baja California's only denominated "Magical Town", and this project aims to build on those characteristics.

"Six months ago we committed to starting with fifteen million pesos worth of investment, but we have now added five million more to the budget pursuant to goals set and instructions received from Governor Francisco Vega, to get started on the first stage of work", stated Escobedo.

The state secretary indicated that of the amount allocated, ten million were authorized via an agreement with the Federal Tourism Ministry, and three million were granted by the Metropolitan Fund, and the remaining seven million came form the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Baja.

"The total project will require 98 million pesos, and we just started off on the stage requiring an initial 20 million, and in 2015 we will obtain the remaining amount to conclude the project; once finalized, 64 thousand residents of Tecate will benefit from this projects as well as 300,000 yearly visitors" he indicated.

On behalf of the Vicesecretary of Infrastructure and Urban Development for the State of Baja, German Lizola ensured that the project will cover 16 blocks in Tecate, although the first stage will specifically target the traditional old town area.

"The first projects include a general improvement of Parque Miguel Hidalgo, and will convert Lazaro Cardenas street into a pedestrian walkway, remodeling sidewalks and other details on Ortiz Rubio street including access-ways to the poligone shaped 'Magical Town'", he explained.

He also added that Tijuana's local authorities will be enabling detours for automobilists during the repair phase, starting this September until work is concluded in January 2015 of the first stage.

"The project is being done in stages precisely so that we don't affect businesses in this area; it is a great project and will benefit residents so we invite everybody to get involved in this project", he added.

The tourism secretary mentioned that they will coordinate with local businesses to ensure that the project reflects the communty and adds to the characteristcs of a "Magical Town".

This is an incredible opportunity for the government to collaborate with the community, as has been highlighted by a recent recognition for the government's collaboration with the Magical Town committee in Tecate. We aim to be an example which is why we are asking for support" he concluded.

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