U.S. General Services Administration
GSA Moving Forward With the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry Project in El Paso
FORT WORTH, Texas – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released the Record of Decision [PDF - 505 KB] that accompanies the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. This completes the project’s National Environmental Policy Act review that began in 2023.
GSA has selected “Alternative 4 - Multilevel modernization within the existing port boundaries, with minor land acquisition and the elimination of all commercial cargo operations.”
“GSA is excited to take this pivotal step towards providing El Paso with a modernized port of entry while balancing Federal Government requirements, community objectives, environmental policies, and available taxpayer funding,” said Jared Bradley, Acting Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner for GSA’s Greater Southwest Region. “We look forward to continued partnership with El Pasoans through the procurement, design and construction of this critical land port of entry.”
The current land port buildings and infrastructure have largely reached their end of life, operating beyond capacity and no longer meeting current U.S. Customs and Border Protection design standards.
“The much-needed project will improve the capacity of this vital port and allow CBP to meet contemporary border security initiatives effectively and efficiently while also delivering the highest level of customer service to international travelers utilizing the Bridge of the Americas port of entry,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha.
The Record of Decision provides the reasoning for GSA’s selection, including but not limited to:
- Supporting the mission of the Federal inspection agencies at this port.
- Improving operational efficiency, effectiveness, security, and safety for both Federal personnel and cross-border travelers.
- Balancing potential impacts to the City of El Paso, El Paso County and the surrounding communities and residents near the port with other land ports of entry that can accommodate commercial cargo traffic.
- Responding to comments from the public, elected officials and other interested parties.
The modernization project includes new administration and inspection facilities, which will better support federal inspection agencies in their work to safeguard America’s borders and facilitate trade.
“After years of advocacy and work for the modernization of our land ports of entry, with particular care given to the health and environmental impacts on El Pasoans, I am thrilled to announce that GSA has finalized the best design option for the Bridge of the Americas,” Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we are one step closer to delivering a transformational investment to our border region which will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come. I look forward to seeing these designs come to life for a land port that will prioritize El Pasoans, create jobs, and promote economic growth and development. I’m grateful to GSA and CBP who were great partners throughout this process, and grateful to all El Pasoans who took part in these important conversations.”
The project’s design and construction contract solicitation is anticipated in summer 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027, with substantial completion in summer 2030. Additional project information and all related documents are available at gsa.gov/bota.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.