U.S. General Services Administration
Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry
Built in 1967, the BOTA LPOE is located on the international border separating El Paso, TX, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. This land port connects with the Mexican land port of “Cordova” in Juarez, Chihuahua, MX, and is one of four crossings in El Paso. The port processes toll-free inbound and outbound commercial, non-commercial, and pedestrian traffic. As a result, the volume of traffic is heavy with many travelers and commercial vehicles choosing to enter and exit through this facility in lieu of paying a toll.
Much of the port facility has reached the end of its life cycle as most of the buildings and infrastructure are operating at or beyond capacity no longer meeting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection current design standards. Being the only toll-free port of entry in El Paso, an increase in truck and vehicular traffic over the last few years has created significant congestion making it difficult to support this increased volume of traffic.
The BOTA LPOE sits on approximately 28 acres of fully developed property surrounded on three sides by an extensive highway system.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: Bridge of the Americas [PDF - 1 MB]
Address: 3600 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905
Year constructed: 1967
Port size: 28 Acres
Budget: $650–$700 million
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
FDA
Department of Transportation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Average daily border crossings:
600 commercial vehicles
12,500 passenger vehicles
2,500 pedestrians
Current status (September 2023)
GSA held the 5th Community Engagement Meeting on August 17, 2023, and presented updates to the viable alternatives, shared project schedules and goals, and heard expectations and concerns.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Scoping Meetings are planned for Fall 2023. GSA will fulfill NEPA requirements and address these comments before finalizing the scope of the project or the start of construction.
Environmental review
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Public Scoping Meetings are planned for Fall 2023. During these meetings, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the project. They may also comment via BOTA.NEPAcomments@gsa.gov.
Pursuant to the NEPA and Council on Environmental Quality guidance, an environmental review is also being conducted and will include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will identify a preferred alternative for further development, along with an estimate of the costs.
Local updates
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Scoping Meetings are planned for Fall 2023.
Project news
Aug. 17, 2023
Community Engagement Meeting Presentation [PDF - 13 MB]
Community Engagement Meeting Presentation - Renderings [PDF - 16 MB]
Aug. 16, 2023
GSA Holds Community Engagement Meeting for the BOTA Modernization Project [PDF - 13 MB]
June 6, 2023
BOTA Enhanced Feasibility Study Submission Map [PDF - 153 KB]
April 4, 2023
Community Engagement Meeting Presentation [PDF - 37 MB]
Nov. 10, 2022
Biden-Harris administration announces $820,000 contract award for BIL project
Nov. 10, 2022
Biden-Harris administration announces BIL awards at three Texas land ports
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
|
Enhanced Feasibility Study Environmental and site needs |
Design award |
Construction award date Substantial completion |
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
GSA received $3.4 billion to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges — all while serving as models for sustainability and innovation.
Visit the Texas LPOE page for an overview of BIL projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
Sustainability opportunities
GSA will increase energy and water efficiency (including renewable energy and fossil fuel free measures), adhere to sustainable design principles, and minimize climate risk liabilities above the minimum performance criteria in a manner that is life cycle cost-effective.
- Net-zero ready
- 80% fossil fuel-energy generated reduction
- Green Proving Ground technology
- LEED Gold/SITES Silver
- Whole-building embodied carbon reduction
Community impact
GSA will fully modernize the port with a new administration building, new pedestrian processing lanes, new primary building, new passenger vehicle lanes, and new commercial vehicle inspection area. The project will help improve traffic flow and border security while decreasing wait times for travelers.