S1608-118

What This Bill Does

This bill amends Public Law 87-532 to authorize the expansion of the Starr-Camargo Bridge, an international bridge connecting Rio Grande City, Texas to Ciudad Camargo, Mexico. It allows for adding adjacent spans to the existing bridge, converting it to a multimodal toll bridge, and significantly extends the construction timeline from 3 years to 60 years and operation timeline from 5 years to 65 years from enactment. It preserves existing rights of the San Benito International Bridge Company (Free Trade International Bridge).

Who Benefits and How

• Starr-Camargo Bridge Company gains expanded authority to build additional bridge spans and operate as multimodal toll facility for 65 years.
• Cross-border trade and commerce benefits from increased bridge capacity between Texas and Mexico.
• Rio Grande City and Starr County gain improved international trade infrastructure and potential economic development.
• Commercial trucking industry benefits from multimodal capacity additions at the border crossing.
• Travelers and commuters gain from expanded crossing capacity reducing wait times.

Who Bears the Burden and How

• San Benito International Bridge Company - bill explicitly preserves their existing rights, no new burden.
• No federal funding - private toll bridge expansion.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes expansion and addition of adjacent spans to existing international bridge
• Converts to "multimodal toll" bridge designation
• Extends construction deadline from 3 to 60 years from enactment
• Extends operation period from 5 to 65 years from enactment
• Authorizes land acquisition as needed for expansion
• Preserves existing rights of San Benito International Bridge Company (Free Trade International Bridge)