U.S. General Services Administration
Pharr Donation Project Supports Nation’s Food Supply
GSA’s Pharr Land Port of Entry plays a critical role in the nation’s food supply serving as a leading port in Texas for Agricultural importation. In fact, on any given day in fiscal year 2019, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that nearly 1,800 commercial trucks carrying more than $13 million worth of agricultural products were processed at the Pharr LPOE. That’s why working together in close partnership with CBP, local communities and governments and Mexico is so important to GSA.
One of the ways we maximize the operational effectiveness at LPOEs is through the use of Donation Acceptance Programs. These programs allow GSA and CBP to partner with local stakeholders to receive real property, personal property and non-personal services to improve port operations.
At the Pharr LPOE in Texas, the City of Pharr donated infrastructure modifications for the construction of 24 new secondary inspection bays to support Unified Cargo Processing. Customs and Border Patrol and Mexican customs officials will do inspections at the same time in UCP areas to expedite processing and reduce wait times. Thirteen of these bays will include cold storage unit equipment to ensure that produce examinations will not be compromised by the outside elements.
“GSA welcomes the opportunity to partner with CBP and the City of Pharr on this important project that contributes to the efficiency of commercial operations at the LPOE as well as trade with our neighbors to the south,” said GSA Acting Regional Administrator Giancarlo Brizzi. “Through donation programs like these, we are able expand and enhance port operations in ways previously unavailable to the federal government.”
“With the continued increase of imports from Mexico, especially produce-related commodities, that require an inspection from our agriculture specialists, having these additional dock spaces will have a significant positive impact on our ability to expedite the processing time and get shipments on their way into U.S. commerce,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
GSA’s Land Ports of Entry and Donations Program are examples of GSA’s work to deliver value and savings in real estate, acquisition, technology, and other mission-support services across government.