U.S. General Services Administration
Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry
The Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry is located on 7.13 acres in Brownsville, Texas. The LPOE is defined and configured to process pedestrians and vehicles across the Gateway International Bridge both in and out of Mexico. The site is within a fully developed urban site and is landlocked. The LPOE has been in operation since the 1920s, but it was not until 1957 that it began to take its current shape. In the 1990s, the LPOE underwent a renovation but has not seen any updates since.
The LPOE consists of a main building, non-commercial primary inspection, secondary inspection and canopy, and import dock that was once used for commercial operations. Much of the property was used for commercial truck inspections at one time, but with the opening of Veteran’s Bridge, located approximately three miles south on Interstate 69E, Gateway ceased commercial operations. The import dock is now used for commercial documentation and a training facility for officers. Other facilities located on site include inbound commercial inspection, a kennel and kennel administration building, outbound inspection, and toll plaza.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry Fact Sheet [PDF - 1 MB]
Address: 1500 W University Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Year constructed: In operation since the 1920s; began to take its current shape in 1957
Port size: 7.13 Acres
Budget: $115 million – $135 million
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Average monthly border crossings:
92,000 passenger vehicles
89,000 pedestrians
Current status (September 2023)
A Feasibility Study for the Brownsville-Gateway LPOE was completed in November 2018. The study addressed major deficiencies including the site layout and building space capacity by proposing construction of more efficient facilities on the existing site.
In late 2022, a Program Development Study was initiated to further develop a preferred alternative based on the 2018 study. The PDS will include a master plan for project execution and will result in the scope of work for the design/build contractor. The scope of work will include a completed project study, project phasing, and scope options to deliver as many of the design requirements as possible with the available budget.
The PDS is scheduled for completion in September 2023.
Environmental review
An Environmental Assessment is being conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and is anticipated to be complete in November 2023.
Project news
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Program development study NEPA 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.