Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in announcing the release of the Record of Decision that accompanies the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. This completes the project’s National Environmental Policy Act review that began in 2023.
GSA has selected “Alternative 4 - Multilevel modernization within the existing port boundaries, with minor land acquisition and the elimination of all commercial cargo operations.”
"After years of advocacy and work for the modernization of our land ports of entry, with particular care given to the health and environmental impacts on El Pasoans, I am thrilled to announce that GSA has finalized the best design option for the Bridge of the Americas," Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said. "Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are one step closer to delivering a transformational investment to our border region which will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come. I look forward to seeing these designs come to life for a land port that will prioritize El Pasoans, create jobs, and promote economic growth and development. I’m grateful to GSA and CBP who were great partners throughout this process, and grateful to all El Pasoans who took part in these important conversations."
“GSA is excited to take this pivotal step towards providing El Paso with a modernized port of entry while balancing Federal Government requirements, community objectives, environmental policies, and available taxpayer funding,” said Jared Bradley, Acting Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner for GSA’s Greater Southwest Region. “We look forward to continued partnership with El Pasoans through the procurement, design and construction of this critical land port of entry.”
The current land port buildings and infrastructure have largely reached their end of life, operating beyond capacity and no longer meeting current U.S. Customs and Border Protection design standards.
“The much-needed project will improve the capacity of this vital port and allow CBP to meet contemporary border security initiatives effectively and efficiently while also delivering the highest level of customer service to international travelers utilizing the Bridge of the Americas port of entry,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha.
The Record of Decision provides the reasoning for GSA's selection, including but not limited to:
Supporting the mission of the Federal inspection agencies at this port.
Improving operational efficiency, effectiveness, security, and safety for both Federal personnel and cross-border travelers.
Balancing potential impacts to the City of El Paso, El Paso County and the surrounding communities and residents near the port with other land ports of entry that can accommodate commercial cargo traffic.
Responding to comments from the public, elected officials and other interested parties.
Congresswoman Escobar’s Push to Remove Commercial Traffic and Prioritize El Pasoans at the Bridge of the Americas:
August 2022- Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA to kick off stakeholder engagement for the BOTA modernization. Local government, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), Department of State, HOME, neighborhood associations near the bridge and other stakeholders attended to learn about the process. GSA committed to robust community engagement throughout the design concept and environmental impact process.
GSA hosted a series of community meetings beginning in Fall 2022, where the Congresswoman helped ensure local community members were present and their voices heard at the highest levels
April 7, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with GSA to provide feedback on concerns and issues shared with her by El Paso stakeholders.
July 5, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with members of the San Xavier, Chamizal, and Washington-Delta neighborhood associations regarding their experiences with past construction projects impacting their communities and their concerns about the BOTA modernization project.
July 19, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar sent a letter to GSA requesting a Health Impact Assessment to be included as part of the Environmental Impact Survey process.
October 19, 2023 –Congresswoman Escobar announced a series of listening sessions on BOTA with various stakeholders and sent out an email survey asking constituents their opinion on commercial traffic at BOTA.
October 27, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a convening of governmental stakeholders- United States federally, Texas state, local and Ciudad Juarez and State of Chihuahua attending.
November 13, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a virtual town hall with a legislative update, including an update on the BOTA LPOE modernization project, with over 2,000 constituents in attendance.
November 17, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session with US and Mexico industry leaders (maquilas, custom brokers, trucking companies, etc)
January 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session at the Chamizal Recreational Center with GSA, IBWC, and CBP leadership to hear from the community members including Familias Unidas, San Xavier and Washington-Delta Neighborhood Associations
May 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA, CBP, City and County to discuss BOTA and what can be done for City and County to prepare for additional traffic at other ports of entry.
July 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted an update meeting with local and federal governmental stakeholders for BOTA, including Juarez Mayor and ANAM Director.
The project’s design and construction contract solicitation is anticipated in summer 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027, with substantial completion in summer 2030. Additional project information and all related documents are available at gsa.gov/bota.
