Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following statement after President Biden approved the City of Laredo’s application for a Presidential permit to expand the World Trade Bridge:

“I am pleased to see the City of Laredo’s application for a Presidential permit has been approved, allowing for the expansion of the World Trade Bridge,” said Dr. Cuellar. “Laredo is home to the nation’s number one port of entry. The World Trade Bridge expansion is critical to easing congestion and reducing wait times at the bridge so trade can increase and our South Texas economy can continue to grow. I would like to thank Senator Ted Cruz for working with me to include language expediting the Presidential permit approval process in last year’s NDAA to make this expansion happen.”

Presidential permits are required for construction projects at border crossings. Obtaining a permit previously required an environmental review, often taking years to complete. Language secured by Dr. Cuellar and Senator Cruz in 2023 directed the President to issue conditional permits for projects while environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are ongoing.

The World Trade Bridge expansion proposes to construct an additional eight-lane bridge for northbound traffic and expand the existing bridge span from eight-lanes to ten. More information about the project is available here.

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