The President of the United States has authorized Cameron County, Texas, to construct, maintain, and operate a pedestrian crossing at the Gateway International Bridge Land Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas. This permit is based on an application submitted by Cameron County on December 17, 2024, with additional information provided on April 25, 2025.
The term "Border facilities" in this context refers to the bridge over the Rio Grande for northbound and southbound pedestrian traffic located just upstream of the existing Gateway International Bridge Land Port of Entry. It also includes related approaches and infrastructure on the U.S. side of the border.
According to the permit's conditions:
All construction and operation must follow federal law and any requirements detailed in the original application. Federal, state, and local agencies will have inspection rights for these facilities.
The permit requires compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. The county must take measures to mitigate adverse impacts on or disruption of the human environment during construction and operation. The county is also responsible for obtaining all necessary permits before starting work.
If there is any transfer of custody or control of these facilities to another entity—federal or non-federal—the President’s approval must be obtained beforehand.
Cameron County is required to ensure it has legal authority under state law for construction activities and must maintain all right-of-way grants or easements as needed. The county must also keep all facilities in good repair using best management practices.
The permit specifies that Cameron County will provide suitable inspection facilities at no cost to federal agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or other relevant authorities but does not obligate those agencies to provide specific levels of service or staffing at those locations.
Before design activities begin, Cameron County must submit a Donation Acceptance Proposal detailing plans for constructing inspection facilities at no cost to the United States government. Additionally, a plan addressing any necessary changes due to modernization efforts at Gateway International Bridge Land Port of Entry must be approved by relevant federal officials.
Prior to construction commencement, concurrence from the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission is required. Construction cannot begin until diplomatic exchanges with Mexico are completed by the Department of State; notification procedures are outlined for various stages of project development.
Further requirements include providing requested information about facility conditions or operations upon request from presidential representatives; filing necessary statements under federal law; refraining from substantial changes without presidential approval; acknowledging that this permit can be revoked or amended at any time; recognizing expiration if construction does not start within five years; and noting that this document does not create enforceable rights against U.S. entities or personnel.
President Donald J. Trump signed this authorization on August 20, 2025: “IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.”
