Texas Border Business
President Donald J. Trump announced the issuance of a Presidential Permit granting permission for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a new pedestrian crossing at the U.S.-Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas. The permit, issued to Cameron County, Texas, follows the submission of the “Cameron County International Pedestrian Bridge Presidential Permit Application” on December 18, 2024, and subsequent review and determination of completeness by the Secretary of State on June 24, 2025.
The permit encompasses the development of the bridge over the Rio Grande and associated facilities. This permit, issued in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 535d, includes conditions to ensure compliance with Federal laws and regulations, mitigation of adverse environmental impacts and protection measures, cooperation with relevant agencies, and notification requirements for transferring ownership or control. Cameron County will be responsible for acquiring necessary authorizations for construction, fulfill funding obligations, operate and maintain the border facilities. The President retains the authority to terminate, revoke, or amend the permit at any time. Additionally, the permit outlines provisions for inspection, reporting, and the termination of the permit if construction does not commence within five years. Finally, the permit does not confer enforceable rights against the United States.
The new Gateway Pedestrian International Bridge will be located in downtown Brownsville and Matamoros. The 2-lane bridge will cross over the Rio Grande and link United States and Mexico in the urbanized areas of downtown Brownsville and Matamoros. This $10 Million bridge project will complement retail development in the tourist sections of Brownsville and Matamoros.
Over the past year, Cameron County and the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) have actively advanced the Gateway International Pedestrian Bridge project by collaborating with legislators to address the county’s infrastructure needs. In December 2024, Cameron County, in partnership with CCRMA, submitted this Presidential Permit application. Thanks to federal legislation signed into law in December 2023, the process for obtaining a Presidential Permit can now proceed prior to the completion of the environmental and NEPA reviews. This legislative change is expected to accelerate the construction timeline, allowing the project to be completed approximately five (5) years earlier than originally anticipated.
August 21, 2025
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The issuance of this presidential permit marks a major milestone in strengthening our nation’s border infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing our bilateral relationship with Mexico. This new crossing will promote safe, efficient and legitimate travel and commerce between the United States and Mexico—bringing tangible benefits to communities on both sides of the border.
To more information, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/presidential-permit- authorizing-cameron-county-texas-to-construct-maintain-and-operate-a-pedestrian-border-crossing-at-the- gateway-international-bridge-land-port-of-entry/
Information source: Cameron County Judge’s Office
