Texas Border Business
President Joe R. Biden announced the issuance of a Presidential Permit granting permission for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a new vehicular and pedestrian only crossing at the U.S.- Mexico border in Brownsville, Texas. The permit, issued to Cameron County, Texas, follows the submission of the Cameron County Flor de Mayo International Bridge Presidential Permit Application on September 14, 2021, and subsequent review and determination of completeness by the Secretary of State on February 13, 2024.
The new Flor de Mayo International Bridge will be located approximately 8 river miles from the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge and 35.6 river miles from the existing Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios. The 4-lane bridge will cross over the Rio Grande and link United States and Mexico at FM 3248 (Alton Gloor) and Avenida Flor de Mayo in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. This $30 Million bridge project will complement retail development in the area from Alton Gloor, a vital artery in the city that leads to its northern district bustling with strip malls and popular retailers like Academy, Home Depot, Wal- Mart/Sam’s Club, and Target. On the Matamoros side, the bridge will directly link to a significant industrial park, providing new access for factory workers who wish to shop or visit family in the Valley.
Over the past decade, Cameron County and CCRMA have diligently pursued the Flor de Mayo International Bridge project by working together with legislators to ensure that the infrastructure needs of Cameron County. In September of 2021 Cameron County in conjunction with CCRMA submitted a Presidential Permit application. Now with the federal legislation signed into law this past December 2023 by President Biden, it sped up obtaining a Presidential Permit prior to the environmental and NEPA process being completed.President Biden understood the importance of the new crossing in facilitating safe and efficient travel and commerce between the United States and Mexico. This permit represents a significant step forward in enhancing our nation’s border infrastructure, support economic growth and strengthen our relationship with Mexico.
“This is great news, and I am pleased to announce the issuance of the Presidential Permit by President Biden. This momentous announcement is the culmination of years of dedicated advocacy. The construction of this international bridge will not only boost the region’s economy and create local job opportunities but also facilitate our area’s international travel and contribute to a safer and more secure border,” stated Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
Treviño further stated, “I want to thank Senators Cruz and Cornyn as well as Congressman Gonzalez for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts as we went through the Presidential Permit process.”
For more information, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/05/31/authorizing-cameron-county-texas-to-construct-maintain-and-operate-a-vehicular- and-pedestrian-border-crossing-near-brownsville-texas-at-the-international-boundary-between-the- united-states-and-m/
