Brownsville-Gateway Land Port Of Entry Set For $263 Million Modernization

The U.S. General Services Administration has announced a $263 million investment to modernize the Brownsville-Gateway Land Port of Entry, a critical link between the United States and Mexico.

The project, spearheaded by Alabama-based Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, will replace outdated facilities with state-of-the-art buildings, including a 48,000-square-foot administration building, expanded inspection lanes, and a modern outbound inspection area. These upgrades aim to enhance security, facilitate trade, and create jobs in the region.

The funding, derived from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, also supports the use of eco-friendly, American-made materials like steel and concrete.

Mayor John Cowen Jr. celebrated the announcement, highlighting the economic benefits for Brownsville. “Our international bridges are crucial to our economy. Thousands of people cross every day, and this project will make the process faster and more efficient,” he said.

The port currently processes 92,000 vehicles and 89,000 pedestrians monthly, with the modernization expected to increase capacity and reduce wait times. Mayor Cowen anticipates significant growth in retail businesses as more shoppers and travelers are drawn to Brownsville.

“I think our downtown will likely benefit as well. With quicker crossings, we’ll see more growth and more potential shoppers, creating a big opportunity for Brownsville,” Cowen added.

Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and is expected to conclude by late 2029. The project has received widespread support from local and national leaders, including Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who praised the initiative as a transformative step for South Texas.