HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) — President Joe Biden on Monday issued presidential authorizations for the construction and expansion of three major South Texas bridges that connect to Mexico.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said the permit would allow for the construction of new international bridges in Eagle Pass and Brownsville, as well as an expansion of the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
“I am incredibly proud of the bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort to secure Presidential authorization for these important projects,” Cruz said in a statement.
The Puerto Verde International Trade Bridge in Eagle Pass will be the border city's third vehicular bridge, connecting it to Piedras Negras, Mexico.
The new Flor de Mayor Bridge will be the fourth vehicular bridge connecting Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico.
Additionally, the Laredo World Trade Bridge, which connects to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, will add a new northbound eight-lane bridge and expand the existing bridge span from eight to 10 lanes for commercial truck traffic.
“Laredo is home to the largest port of entry in the nation, and the World Trade Bridge expansion is vital to reducing congestion and wait times on the bridge, leading to increased trade and continued growth in the South Texas economy,” Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), a Laredo native, said in a statement.
“The bridges have been needlessly delayed, and ending the delays will bring immeasurable benefits not only to the communities of Eagle Pass, Laredo and Brownsville, but also to farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small businesses across Texas. Indeed, these bridges will make it easier to move goods, strengthen the U.S.-Mexico supply chain, and bring lower prices to millions of American consumers,” said Cruz, who authored legislation passed in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act that allows for a streamlined presidential permit process for new and expanded bridges in Webb, Cameron and Maverick counties in South Texas.
By law, the State Department must apply for approval, and the White House must approve or deny the permit within 60 days. With the permit, construction can begin while the environmental review process is ongoing. If environmental concerns are uncovered, construction can be halted.
Other Texas lawmakers who have pushed for the bridge's construction and expansion include Republican Sen. John Cornyn, Democratic Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Joaquin Castro, and Republican Reps. Monica de la Cruz and Tony Gonzalez.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
