RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - The legislation that resurrects the possibility of Starr-Camargo International Bridge being expanded has been signed into law by President Biden.
The previous authorization for construction expired.
With the passing of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Expansion Act the number of lanes for the toll bridge will be increased. The expansion will be fully paid by existing tolls.
The legislation was authored in the Senate by Sen. John Cornyn and in the House by Congressman Henry Cuellar.
"As an important trade route between the U.S. and Mexico, the Starr-Camargo Bridge has made significant contributions to the economy of South Texas and the nation,” Cornyn said. "Now that this legislation has been signed into law, we will be able to help resolve traffic congestion and supply chain issues, improve efficiency, and ensure U.S. trade continues to grow.”
Cuellar pointed out that in 2023, Mexico ranked first among all U.S. trading partners, with $798.8 billion in total trade in goods.
"The Starr-Camargo Bridge facilitates hundreds of millions of dollars of this cross-border trade and serves as a crucial connector between South Texas and Mexico,” Cuellar said. “The proposed expansion project will ease congestion, reduce truck idling at the port of entry, and help alleviate supply chain issues.”
Cuellar said he received support for the legislation in the House from Congressmen Michael McCaul and Joaquin Castro of Texas, and Mike Lawyer and Gregory Meeks from New York.
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera is thrilled the bridge legislation has been signed into law.
“The Starr Camargo Bridge Expansion Act is a significant step towards continuing our promotion of efficient cross-border commerce. In addition, the ability for multimodule growth will greatly increase the capacity for diverse trade and enhanced economic opportunities. We congratulate everyone involved in making this effort a reality,” Vera said.
Another supporter of the legislation was the American Trucking Association (ATA).
“Trade between the U.S. and Mexico totaled nearly $800 billion last year and sustains millions of American jobs, but border bottlenecks threaten to limit economic growth,” said ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “We applaud Senator Cornyn and Congressman Cuellar for leading this effort to expand the Starr-Camargo Bridge in South Texas.”
Hanscom added: “By increasing the capacity of this critical link in the supply chain, this legislation will help prevent truck drivers from being stuck in traffic, catalyze the return of manufacturers to North America, and support businesses and farmers on both sides of the border.”
Starr-Camargo International Bridge is one of only two international bridges between Mexico and the United States that allow the crossing of double trailer trucks as well as oversized trucks and overweight trucks.
The bridge is located 125 miles from Monterrey, Nuevo León, the third largest city in Mexico. The city is recognized for its heavy industrial and business development. According to Starr-Camargo Bridge Company, their bridge provides the shortest way from Monterrey to transport commercial products quickly to American consumers.
Starr-Camargo Bridge Company manages Starr-Camargo International Bridge. It also provides importers and exporters with various foreign trade services.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz helped Sen. Cornyn steer the bridge legislation through Congress.
“I am proud to have partnered with Senator Cornyn on the Starr-Camargo and many other cross-border bridge projects—like the World Trade Bridge in Laredo—that are essential to interstate commerce,” Cruz said.
“These bridges will not only improve trade between the U.S. and Mexico but bring more jobs to Texas and promote a mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbor to the south.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona also championed the bridge legislation.
“Strengthening our infrastructure at key international crossings like the Starr-Camargo Bridge is essential for boosting our economy and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across our borders,” said Sen. Kelly.
“This expansion will not only ease congestion and enhance trade, but also support American jobs and businesses—all without burdening taxpayers. I’m proud to see this important legislation signed into law to help strengthen our supply chains and reduce the cost of goods for Americans.”
