Cornyn, Cuellar Praise Selection of Four Texas Ports for Public-Private Partnerships

U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and I released the following statements after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the Anzalduas Bridge, Cameron County, the City of Donna, Texas, and the city of Laredo, Texas were selected for Public-Private Partnerships. Our legislation, the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, permanently authorized the program.

Investing in our ports of entry reduces wait times, increases efficiency, and encourages commerce across Texas and the nation. It’s only right these Texas ports are recognized for its role in our nation’s trade and travel. I’m thankful for Congressman Cuellar’s partnership on the legislation that has made this possible.

“I was proud to work with Senator Cornyn on the common sense, bipartisan legislation that enabled this Anzalduas Bridge project,” said Rep. Cuellar. “Trade is the engine of Texas’ economy. The outcomes made possible by our collaboration – making government more efficient, improving infrastructure, saving American businesses money – are non-partisan issues that all Texans can get behind. This project in McAllen is a perfect example of what we hoped to achieve.”

Background on the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act:

Developed with input from border community leaders and transportation industry stakeholders, the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act gives U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) the authority to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities. As federal resources remain scarce, port communities have sought alternate avenues to ensure essential needs are met in the face of growing demand. This authority allows CBP to better leverage limited resources to speed up the flow of traffic at international ports of entry. Partnerships with local governments and the private sector will support improvements to border infrastructure and enhance staffing levels across port environments.