Bridge staff updated the Port of Entry Advisory Committee on multiple project-level issues affecting bridge expansions and adjacent projects.

World Trade Bridge and Columbia Bridge: staff and committee members reported continued federal engagement on bridge expansions but clarified that the recent Washington, D.C., trip did not finalize any funding. Members stressed the need for two complementary bridge expansions to handle projected traffic growth and specialized cargo.

Environmental review: staff said the poultry expansion project and related bridge work have been delayed by environmental review, specifically consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after the discovery of protected freshwater mussels. As a result, the construction start for the poultry expansion moved from a planned 2027 date to 2028, though engineers and consultants are exploring ways to accelerate the schedule.

Small-scale donation acceptance program (DAP): staff reported an additional $1,500,000 for a small-scale donation acceptance project that would connect the new northbound bridge to the primary inspection area on federal property. Staff said the acquisition and conveyance of the parcel involve CBP and the General Services Administration (GSA); final ownership and transaction details were described as pending and still under negotiation with federal partners.

Engineering and coordination: staff said SCA engineers and project consultants accompanied delegation meetings in Washington, and the local engineering group is working with TxDOT on specifications for an access road to an import lot. Staff said they will circulate meeting invites and Webex details for upcoming technical reviews and that a coordination meeting was scheduled for April 8 (moved for the Washington trip).

No formal votes were taken on these project updates at the meeting; staff requested continued committee engagement and promised updated timelines and meeting invitations when consultants and federal agencies provide further information.