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New legislation introduced as a bipartisan effort aims to expand the number of lanes at the Starr-Camargo Bridge in Rio Grande City, and hopes to expand free trade opportunities between the U.S. and Mexico.
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, Republicans, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, introduced the Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act as a bipartisan bill aiming to grow trade by hundreds of millions of dollars.
In a news release Tuesday, the senators pointed to Texas’ pivotal role in trade and the need to invest in the bridge.
In a statement, Cruz highlighted the bridge as a “vital” resource that will “improve the supply chain.”
“The Starr-Camargo Bridge is vitally important to U.S.-Mexican trade, and Texas is proud of the role it plays in driving U.S. exports,” Cruz said in the statement. “Expanding the Starr-Camargo Bridge will help to address systemic traffic issues and improve supply chains for both our countries. This is a win-win, and I’m proud to work with Sen. Cornyn to deliver for Texans and for American consumers.”
Cornyn shared similar sentiments.
“The Starr-Camargo Bridge has been an invaluable investment in the economy of South Texas and the nation,” Cornyn stated. “Expanding this international bridge will help ease congestion and help supply chain issues at this critical port of entry at no cost to taxpayers, and I am grateful to Senators Cruz and Kelly for their partnership.”
Kelly said adding lanes would decrease wait times and that such work is “critical for border communities.”
“Updating border infrastructure and modernizing land ports of entry improves border security, shortens wait times, and strengthens our supply chains,” Kelly wrote. “Common sense projects, like modernizing the Starr-Camargo Bridge, are critical for border communities, and I’m glad to work with Senator Cornyn on this important project.”
According to the release, the expansion would be funded entirely by existing tolls.
The Starr County Industrial Foundation celebrated the new legislation Thursday, May 18, on Facebook, adding that the increase in lanes will not only positively impact U.S. and Mexico trade but also on the surrounding community.
“In addition, the ongoing planning of improvements to the Starr County Bridge in Roma and the surrounding proposed industrial development will serve as a much needed tool for recruitment and investment opportunities,” the foundation said on Facebook.
Attempts to reach Starr County Judge Eloy Vera about the expansion act were unsuccessful as of press time.
