Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC – The General Services Administration (GSA) executed a construction license for the commencement of construction for Phase I of the commercialization of the Donna-Rio Bravo Land Port of Entry (LPOE). Upon completion of the project, the Donna-Rio Bravo LPOE will be the third international crossing in Hidalgo County to cater to commercial traffic.
Carlos Yerena, Donna City Manager stated, “The City of Donna has awarded the contract to D. Wilson Construction Company in January of this year; however, the GSA license was for a prerequisite to the commencement of construction. Inter-agency coordination and a pivotal trip to Mexico City by Congressman Filemon Vela, we finally secured the required documentation from Mexico for GSA to execute the license. I’m positive that without the Congressman’s help, the project would still be on hold.”
Congressman Vela said, “Allowing commercial traffic on the Donna-Rio Bravo Bridge is critical for economic development in the region, especially for the City of Donna. For years, we have been working with local and federal officials in the U.S. and in Mexico to do what is necessary to keep this project moving, and I look forward to the day soon that we see the first commercial truck cross over.”
The City of Donna originally obtained the International bridge permit, which included approval for all types of vehicular crossings, in 1979. Although a bridge and port allowing private vehicular crossings were completed in 2010, the recently-obtained approvals will allow the City of Donna to commence construction of both the southbound and northbound commercial projects.
Mr. Yerena added, “During the past several months the City received $25 million of funding, $12 million of which has been set aside for cutting-edge technology that will transform our commercial land port, making it one of the first of its kind. Integration of this state-of-the-art technology into our commercial land port will allow for commercial crossings at a rate of 100 commercial trucks per hour, saving both time and costs for commercial carriers.”
Yerena also stated, “The addition of the Commercial port to the bridge has already provided significant dividends in the form of economic development and growth to our community. The City recently secured an agreement with a Fortune 500 company to build a 70,000 square foot auto-parts remanufacture warehouse facility, and a one million-dollar UETA (Duty-Free) facility is currently under construction. The City is currently working with several other prospects who are eager to take advantage of our commercial gateway to Mexico. There is no doubt in my mind that the commercial port will bring substantial benefits to the mid-valley region. This port will facilitate trade and commerce, expedite crossing time and save costs for commercial carriers, making our port a catalyst for growth and development for both our community and the entire region, which will, in turn, lead to an improved quality of life for local residents.”
The project will consist of building concrete approach roadways, an inspection booth with a canopy, and additional illumination. The contracted construction cost of Phase I of the project is $4.6 million, which will be funded by the Texas Department of Transportation Rider 11b funds. Construction began on Sept. 16, 2019, it is projected to end mid-April 2020 and is expected to create minimal disruption to personal vehicular traffic.
 executed a construction license for the commencement of construction for Phase I of the commercialization of the Donna-Rio Bravo Land Port of Entry (LPOE).){kind=link}