EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A “record of decision” has been reached and the federal government will pursue an upgrade to the Bridge of the Americas that eliminates commercial cargo operations, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, and the U.S. General Services Administration announced on Friday, May 2.
The “record of decision” accompanies the final environmental impact statement for the modernization project for the Bridge of Americas, Escobar’s office said.
This completes the project’s National Environmental Policy Act review that began in 2023, Escobar’s office said.
According to Escobar’s office, GSA has selected the alternative No. 4 that will modernize the port of entry within its existing boundaries with minor land acquisition and the elimination of all “commercial cargo operations.”
“After years of advocacy and work for the modernization of our land ports of entry, with particular care given to the health and environmental impacts on El Pasoans, I am thrilled to announce that GSA has finalized the best design option for the Bridge of the Americas,” Escobar said.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are one step closer to delivering a transformational investment to our border region which will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come. I look forward to seeing these designs come to life for a land port that will prioritize El Pasoans, create jobs, and promote economic growth and development. I’m grateful to GSA and CBP who were great partners throughout this process, and grateful to all El Pasoans who took part in these important conversations,” Escobar added.
“GSA is excited to take this pivotal step towards providing El Paso with a modernized port of entry while balancing Federal Government requirements, community objectives, environmental policies, and available taxpayer funding,” said Jared Bradley, acting Public Buildings Service regional commissioner for GSA’s Greater Southwest Region. “We look forward to continued partnership with El Pasoans through the procurement, design and construction of this critical land port of entry.”
The current facility, including its buildings and infrastructure, “have largely reached their end of life, operating beyond capacity and no longer meeting current U.S. Customs and Border Protection design standards,” Escobar’s office said.
CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said: “The much-needed project will improve the capacity of this vital port and allow CBP to meet contemporary border security initiatives effectively and efficiently while also delivering the highest level of customer service to international travelers utilizing the Bridge of the Americas port of entry.”
County Commissioner David Stout said it “cannot be overstated how important” this step and decision is.
“Three ports – Tornillo to the east, Santa Teresa to the west, and Zaragoza in between – are available to serve commercial traffic, and El Paso County is committed to ensuring our ports system serves trade in a manner that is comprehensive, efficient, and secure. Similarly, the GSA BOTA port renovation determination creates expanded opportunities for families, workers, and local business,” Stout said.
Grassroots organization Familias Unidas del Chamizal applauded GSA’s decision to remove commercial vehicles from the Bridge of the Americas project.
“Removing the commercial vehicles is a major benefit to the public health of the residents of the Chamizal and communities that neighbor the BOTA who will no longer be subject to the diesel contamination. The infrastructure of the BOTA was never designed to withstand the commercial traffic from the maquila industry. The overuse by the commercial trucks has caused a safety concern. According to the GSA the other alternative choices would result in further deterioration that would not address these safety concerns,” the group said in a statement sent out to media.
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