By Brenda Camacho and Roger Uvalle
Published: Jun. 3, 2024 at 3:49 PM CDT
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - President Biden has given the go-ahead to expand the World Trade Bridge, making it one of three bridge projects along the southern border to get approval. The decision, made last Friday, May 31, is expected to ease traffic and make trade smoother.
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino hailed the approval, stating that it “further establishes our status as the number one port of entry in the United States, and as a global hub for international trade.” Mayor Trevino expressed gratitude to the President for the support and indicated a forthcoming meeting to discuss binational collaboration.
Below is Mayor Trevino’s full statement:
The City of Laredo is proud to announce that on Friday, May 31, 2024, President Joe Biden issued a presidential permit for the expansion of the World Trade Bridge.
This important development marks a crucial step forward in enhancing trade infrastructure and fostering economic growth in Laredo and across South Texas. The approval of the presidential permit, which was possible through bipartisan efforts in Congress, underscores the unwavering commitment of local, state, and federal officials.
In particular, the City of Laredo is grateful for the leadership of the local Congressional delegation. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) paved the way for the World Trade Bridge expansion project to move forward by introducing language in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) to streamline the presidential permitting process. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) was steadfast in his work in the House of Representatives to maintain the language in conference. His dedication to advancing the interests of Laredo has been exemplary. The City of Laredo also acknowledges Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for his unwavering support and advocacy in championing the effort to streamline the presidential permitting process.
“The approval of the World Trade Bridge expansion by President Biden further establishes our status as the number one port of entry in the United States, and as a global hub for international trade,” said City of Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. “I look forward to meeting with the President tonight and tomorrow, as I am en route to Washington DC, and thank him personally for his support, and continue our conversation about the importance of binational collaboration in dealing with our regional goals and challenges.”
The expansion project, long-awaited by the city, garnered appreciation from local lawmakers who championed the initiative.
Below is Rep. Henry Cuellar’s reaction to the move:
Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following statement after President Biden approved the City of Laredo’s application for a Presidential permit to expand the World Trade Bridge:
“I am pleased to see the City of Laredo’s application for a Presidential permit has been approved, allowing for the expansion of the World Trade Bridge,” said Dr. Cuellar. “Laredo is home to the nation’s number one port of entry. The World Trade Bridge expansion is critical to easing congestion and reducing wait times at the bridge so trade can increase and our South Texas economy can continue to grow. I would like to thank Senator Ted Cruz for working with me to include language expediting the Presidential permit approval process in last year’s NDAA to make this expansion happen.”
Presidential permits are required for construction projects at border crossings. Obtaining a permit previously required an environmental review, often taking years to complete. Language secured by Dr. Cuellar and Senator Cruz in 2023 directed the President to issue conditional permits for projects while environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are ongoing.
The World Trade Bridge expansion proposes to construct an additional eight-lane bridge for northbound traffic and expand the existing bridge span from eight-lanes to ten. More information about the project is available here.
Below is Senator Ted Cruz’s statement on the matter:
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today issued the following statement after President Biden issued presidential permits for new and expanded bridges in Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville, as a result of a bicameral, bipartisan legislative effort to streamline the process led by Sen. Cruz.
The permits were granted for the World Trade Bridge (Laredo), the Puerto Verde Global Trade Bridge (Eagle Pass, Maverick County), and the Flor de Mayo Bridge (Brownsville, Cameron County). Sen. Cruz said, “I am immensely proud of our bipartisan, bicameral legislative push to secure presidential permits for these vital projects. The bridges were being needlessly held up, and ending the delays will provide immeasurable benefits to the communities of Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville, as well as for farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small businesses across Texas. Indeed, these bridges will facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen US-Mexico supply chains, producing lower prices for millions of American consumers. I am grateful to my fellow colleagues for their hard work and dedication to protecting the economic interests of the Lone Star State and the United States, and to keeping Texas the nation’s leader in job creation.”
Last year, Sen. Cruz authored and secured into law a provision in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 streamline the presidential permitting process for new and expanded bridges across the Rio Grande in Webb, Cameron, and Maverick Counties. The language required the State Department submit for approval and White House to approve or deny the permits for these projects in 60 days respectively. Sen. Cruz was joined by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).
To view the complete authorization from President Biden on the Presidential Permit, click here.
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