In an exercise of presidential authority, I, the President of the United States, hereby authorize the City of Laredo, Texas (hereafter referred to as the “Permittee”) to enhance and maintain a vehicular crossing at the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge Land Port of Entry. This crossing is strategically located along the United States-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, as detailed in the “Application for a Presidential Permit for Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge Expansion,” submitted to the Secretary of State on November 14, 2024, and supplemented by additional information from the Permittee on February 18, 2025 (hereafter collectively referred to as the “Application”), in compliance with 33 U.S.C. § 535d and relevant procedural guidelines.
The term “Border facilities” within this permit encompasses the bridge spanning the Rio Grande, which includes two newly proposed 4-lane spans designated for commercial traffic. These new spans will run parallel and adjacent to the existing Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge land port of entry, along with its approaches and any associated land, structures, installations, or equipment situated on the U.S. side of the international boundary.
This permit comes with a series of stipulations:
Article 1. The construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities must adhere to the conditions, provisions, and requirements outlined in this permit and any future amendments. All activities must be conducted in accordance with the descriptions provided in the Application.
Article 2. The construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities shall be subject to inspections by the relevant Federal, State, and local agencies. The Permittee is obligated to grant authorized representatives of these agencies unrestricted access to the Border facilities while they perform their official duties.
Article 3. The Permittee must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations pertinent to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.
Article 4. (1) The Permittee is required to undertake appropriate measures to mitigate any adverse environmental impacts arising from the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities. Mitigation efforts should aim to avoid, minimize, or compensate for negative effects.
(2) The Permittee shall indemnify and hold harmless the United States against any claims or liabilities that may arise from the construction, maintenance, or operation of the Border facilities, including those related to environmental contamination resulting from hazardous substances.
(3) The Permittee is responsible for securing any necessary Federal, State, and local permits, approvals, and authorizations before starting construction. This includes implementing any mitigation strategies identified in environmental assessments conducted in line with the National Environmental Policy Act and obtaining relevant permits under the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1342).
Article 5. The Permittee must promptly inform the President or their designee of any intention to transfer control of the Border facilities to any U.S. Government agency. Such notification should specify the agency involved and seek presidential approval for the transfer of the permit. If the President approves, this permit will remain active, subject to all outlined conditions. However, any transfer of ownership or control to non-Federal entities requires prior explicit approval from the President, who may impose necessary conditions.
Article 6. The Permittee is tasked with acquiring and maintaining any necessary right-of-way grants, easements, permits, and other authorizations. To ensure the safe operation of the Border facilities, the Permittee must maintain them in good repair and comply with all applicable laws and best management practices.
Article 7. Consistent with any previously executed Donation Acceptance Agreements (DAAs) under 6 U.S.C. § 301a, the Permittee shall provide suitable inspection facilities and infrastructure improvements to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at no cost to the United States. It is important to note that this permit does not obligate such agencies to deliver a specific level of service or staffing for these facilities.
Article 8. Before initiating any design activities, the Permittee must submit a Donation Acceptance Proposal for approval by the Commissioner, the Administrator of General Services, and the Secretary of Transportation. This proposal will outline plans for constructing and staffing suitable inspection facilities and other improvements at no cost to the United States upon the commencement of operations.
Relevant agencies will collaborate with the Permittee to refine these conditions as necessary within one year of the permit’s issuance.
Article 9. Prior to commencing construction, the Permittee must secure concurrence from the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commissions, representing both the United States and Mexico.
Article 10. Construction cannot begin until the Department of State confirms that it has completed its diplomatic exchanges with the Government of Mexico regarding authorization. The Permittee must notify the President or their designee when construction starts, and also when it is completed, interrupted, or halted, along with any other requests for updates from the President.
Article 11. Upon request, the Permittee must provide the President or their designee with relevant information regarding the Border facilities, including current conditions, environmental compliance, mitigation efforts, or anticipated changes in ownership, operation, or maintenance.
Article 12. The Permittee is required to file any necessary statements and reports mandated by relevant Federal law concerning the Border facilities.
Article 13. The Permittee must not make significant changes to the Border facilities or their operations without prior approval from the President. The President holds the authority to terminate, revoke, or amend this permit at their discretion. This permit remains valid only as long as the Permittee continues the authorized operations; should the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge close permanently, this permit will terminate, allowing the Permittee to manage or dispose of the Border facilities according to applicable regulations.
Article 14. This permit will expire five years from the date of issuance if construction has not commenced by that time.
Article 15. This permit does not create any enforceable rights or benefits at law or equity for any party against the United States, its agencies, officers, employees, or any other individual.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, marking the two hundred forty-ninth year of American independence.
DONALD J. TRUMP
