Trade between the U.S. and Mexico recently reached record highs and Texas officials have pulled together $83 million to expand the Anzalduas International Bridge through a Gateway to Growth program.
Owned and operated by the cities of McAllen, Mission, and Hidalgo, the cross-border bridge only allows passenger vehicles and empty trucks heading south to pass. But the growing trade numbers have Texas officials investing in an expansion that would transform the stretch. Adding lanes and inspection facilities, commercial motor vehicles would be able to haul loads into the U.S. or south into Reynosa, Mexico.
“This is a very important project not only for McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley but our entire nation,” McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos reportedly stated. “This project will provide immediate and direct enhancement to our supply chain, providing a much-needed corridor for goods to come into the country through McAllen.”
The hard numbers published by the U.S. Census Bureau support the mayor’s conclusion and the investment. U.S. exports to Mexico neared $30 million in August and have remained at record highs since March. Imports have also surged, topping $40 million for the first time in March and again in August. The U.S. is on pace to post its worst trade deficit with its southern neighbor.
Built in 2009, the Anzalduas International Bridge remains a relatively new border-crossing pathway. Its construction serves a vital regional niche because the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, located 25 miles away, is currently the only international truck crossing servicing Reynosa. The border city, located on the banks of the Rio Grande, is home to more than 150 duty- and tariff-free assembly plants that export products.
Funding for the bridge expansion includes a U.S. Department of Transportation grant for $25 million, a Texas Department of Transportation for $22 million, and a $63 million loan from the North American Development Bank (NADBank) secured by the city of McAllen.
“NADBank was pleased to provide $63 million to finance the ‘Gateway to Growth’ project at the Anzalduas International Bridge because of its demonstrated environmental, economic and social benefits for not only the Rio Grande Valley and Tamaulipas but also for the U.S. and Mexico,” NADBank Deputy Managing Director John Beckham reportedly stated. “Investing in improved mobility, such as the Anzalduas expansion project, is an important piece of establishing a greener and more robust binational economic cooperation by reducing wait times, lessening economic losses and improving air quality in the region.”
Conservative estimates indicate the bridge will accommodate upwards of 2,000 commercial trucks daily, with a completion date of 2024.
U.S. Border Patrol also received $165 million in funding to expand a checkpoint outside Laredo from six to 16 lanes commercial lanes. Interstate 35 has been experiencing significant freight transportation congestion. The inspection point was designed to handle 4,000 passenger vehicle and truck inspections per day. Recent reports indicate more than 17,000 cars and trucks move across the border checkpoint daily.
Sources: freightwaves.com, census.gov
Leave a Comment