In a move that underscores the complex interplay of local governance and federal oversight, the President of the United States has granted permission for the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, to expand its vehicular and pedestrian crossing at the Camino Real International Bridge. This expansion, documented in the “Camino Real International Bridge Expansion Presidential Permit Application” submitted on November 26, 2024, and supplemented on March 9, 2025, is officially sanctioned under the authority of 33 U.S.C. 535d and related protocols.
The term “Border facilities,” as outlined in this permit, refers to the bridge spanning the Rio Grande, which will feature six additional vehicle lanes alongside the existing structure. The geographical specifications are clear: the new facilities will be situated roughly half a mile south of the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Bridge and directly north of the Eagle Pass Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge, all located on the U.S. side of the international boundary with Mexico.
However, this permit is not without its stipulations:
Article 1. The Border facilities, along with their operational facets, must strictly adhere to the conditions and requirements specified in this permit, as well as any future Presidential amendments. Construction and operational practices are required to align materially with those described in the Application.
Article 2. Oversight is paramount: the standards governing construction and operation will be subject to inspections from authorized representatives of federal, state, and local agencies. The permittee is obligated to grant unfettered access to these officials as they perform their duties.
Article 3. Compliance with all relevant federal laws and regulations concerning the construction and operation of the Border facilities is mandatory for the permittee.
Article 4. (1) The permittee must adopt measures to mitigate any adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the Border facilities’ construction and operation. Such measures should aim to avoid, minimize, or compensate for negative consequences.
(2) The permittee agrees to indemnify the United States against any claimed or adjudged liabilities that arise from the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from hazardous substances.
(3) It is the permittee’s responsibility to secure all necessary federal, state, and local permits before commencing construction. Furthermore, the permittee must implement the mitigation strategies outlined in environmental decision documents as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and obtain relevant stormwater permits.
Article 5. Should the permittee decide to transfer custody of the Border facilities, they must notify the President or their designee and seek approval for the transfer. This includes any transfer to a non-federal entity, which requires explicit Presidential consent.
Article 6. The permittee must acquire and maintain the necessary rights-of-way, easements, permits, and other authorizations to ensure the safe operation of the Border facilities, all while adhering to applicable laws and best management practices.
Article 7. In line with any existing Donation Acceptance Agreements (DAAs), the permittee is required to provide, at no cost to the U.S. government, adequate inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, and maintenance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other relevant agencies.
Article 8. Before commencing design activities, the permittee must submit a Donation Acceptance Proposal for approval detailing the construction plans and staffing for the required inspection facilities.
Article 9. The permittee must secure the concurrence of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, prior to starting construction.
Article 10. Construction cannot commence until the Department of State confirms the completion of diplomatic exchanges with the Government of Mexico. The permittee must keep the President informed of construction timelines and any interruptions.
Article 11. Upon request, the permittee is obliged to provide relevant information regarding the Border facilities to the President or their designee, including updates on environmental compliance and any changes in ownership or operation.
Article 12. The permittee must file all necessary statements and reports as required by federal law in relation to the Border facilities.
Article 13. Any significant changes to the Border facilities must receive Presidential approval; the President retains the authority to terminate or amend this permit at their discretion.
Article 14. This permit will expire five years from the issuance date if construction has not begun.
Article 15. This permit does not create enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its entities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
