Cameron County and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have approved a Donations Acceptance Agreement that calls for the expansion of inbound lanes at Veterans International Bridge.
The agreement also includes the construction of primary booths for privately owned vehicles and an expanded secondary inspection area with an integrated canopy and a new headhouse.
The Donations Acceptance Program was established in 2015 to “explore, foster and facilitate partnerships for port of entry infrastructure and technology improvements.”
The agreement between Cameron County and CPB was announced in 2017 and was recently approved and executed by CBP’s Office of Field Operations
Officials report this $15 million project will increase capacity for passenger vehicles, reduce wait and travel time and reduce congestion on the passenger lanes at Veterans International Bridge since there are currently only two north bound lanes for those vehicles.
The project is fully funded through the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. It is ready to go to the construction phase.
“This tremendous initiative is forthcoming after much support from the RGVMPO, Congressman Vela, Senator Cornyn, Senator (Eddie) Lucio and the CCRMA (Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority),” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. in a press release. “This project will not only improve passenger vehicle commute time but increase tourism border crossings and trade between the border cities of Brownsville and Matamoros.”
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, said he worked with local and federal agencies to bring infrastructure such as the bridge lane expansion to Cameron County. “I have seen firsthand how effective the CBP Donation Acceptance Program has been for our land ports of entry.” The project is also being funded with over $10 million in federal funds, Vela said.
Officials said the project is of significance because not only will it improve the flow of passenger vehicle traffic but increase border trade in the area as well.
“Investing in our ports of entry reduces wait times, increases efficiency, and encourages commerce across Texas and the nation,” U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. “It’s only right that Texas ports like Veterans International Bridge are recognized for their role in our nation’s travel and trade. I am thankful for Cameron County’s leadership that has made this project possible.”
