Presidential Permit Authorizing the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, to Expand and Continue to Maintain and Operate a Vehicular and Pedestrian Border Crossing at the Camino Real International Bridge Land Port of Entry

6/20/2025

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Authorization Granted: Permits the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, to expand, maintain, and operate vehicular and pedestrian border crossing facilities at the Camino Real International Bridge Land Port of Entry.
Location & Scope: Covers the bridge over the Rio Grande, including an additional six vehicle lanes, adjacent approaches, and related structures located roughly half a mile south of a nearby international bridge.
Federal Compliance & Inspection:
- Inspection and Access: Federal, State, and local agency representatives have unrestricted access to inspect construction, maintenance, and operations.
- Legal Adherence: Operations must comply with all applicable Federal laws, environmental regulations, and permit requirements.
Environmental & Mitigation Measures:
- Mitigation Requirements: The permittee must implement measures to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts.
- Indemnification: The permittee holds harmless the United States against potential liabilities including environmental contamination.
Preconstruction Approvals & Procedures:
- International Coordination: Must obtain concurrence from the International Boundary and Water Commission and complete diplomatic note exchanges with Mexico prior to construction.
- Proposal for Inspection Infrastructure: A detailed Donation Acceptance Proposal must be submitted for planning inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, and equipment at no cost to the United States.
Ownership & Transfer Provisions:
- Transfer Notification: Immediate notification to the President is required prior to any transfer of custody or control to another agency or non-Federal entity.
- Right-of-Way and Maintenance: The permittee is responsible for obtaining necessary easements and maintaining the facilities in good repair.
Reporting & Changes:
- Periodic Reporting: The permittee must provide updates on construction status, environmental compliance, and any changes in operation or ownership.
- Amendments and Termination: The President retains the authority to amend, revoke, or terminate the permit at any time; significant changes require Presidential approval.
Validity Period: The permit expires 5 years from issuance if construction does not commence, and will terminate if the bridge is permanently closed or no longer used as an international crossing.

Risks & Considerations

The expansion of the Camino Real International Bridge may lead to increased cross-border traffic, which could have implications for immigration policies and enforcement. This could affect Vanderbilt University if there are changes in student visa policies or international student mobility.
Environmental compliance and mitigation measures required by the permit could set precedents for future infrastructure projects, potentially impacting research and funding opportunities related to environmental science and policy at Vanderbilt.
The requirement for the permittee to provide inspection facilities and infrastructure improvements at no cost to the United States may influence federal funding allocations, potentially affecting grants and financial support for educational institutions.
Changes in border operations and policies could impact Vanderbilt’s international collaborations and partnerships, particularly those involving research and student exchange programs with Mexican institutions.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services may need to monitor changes in border policies and their potential impact on international students and scholars.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could find opportunities to engage in research related to environmental compliance and mitigation measures associated with infrastructure projects.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might need to engage with policymakers to understand the implications of border infrastructure changes on federal funding and research opportunities.
The Center for Latin American Studies may need to assess the impact of border policy changes on academic collaborations and research initiatives with Mexican institutions.

Financial Impact

The requirement for the permittee to fund infrastructure improvements could influence federal budget allocations, potentially affecting the availability of grants and financial support for educational institutions like Vanderbilt.
Changes in cross-border traffic and policies could impact the demographics of international students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Vanderbilt may need to explore new funding opportunities related to research on border infrastructure, environmental compliance, and international relations.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international collaborations and funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the expansion of the Camino Real International Bridge, as changes in border infrastructure and policies could impact research opportunities and collaborations with institutions in Mexico. Understanding these changes can help Vanderbilt align its international programs and partnerships accordingly.
The Department of Political Science could explore research opportunities related to the implications of border infrastructure expansion on immigration policy and international relations. This research could provide valuable insights into the broader political and economic impacts of such infrastructure projects.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental Law and Policy Program should consider examining the environmental compliance and mitigation measures associated with the border expansion project. This could offer opportunities for research and advocacy in environmental law and policy, particularly in relation to cross-border environmental impacts.

Opportunities

The expansion of the border facilities presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Latin American Studies to engage in cross-border research and educational initiatives. By leveraging the increased connectivity, the center can enhance its programs and collaborations with Mexican institutions.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the infrastructure improvements by developing new partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in border management and policy. This could include joint research projects, policy analysis, and educational exchanges.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures, particularly in international relations and environmental policy research.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

Within 1 year of permit issuance: Relevant agencies must coordinate with the permittee to refine the construction, staffing, and operational conditions.
5 years from issuance: The permit expires if construction of the Border facilities has not commenced by that date.

No other specific deadlines are provided, and these were directly stated in the directives.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of State: Oversees diplomatic notifications and the exchange of diplomatic notes with the Government of Mexico, and is responsible for notifying the permittee when the construction may begin.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (under the Department of Homeland Security): The Commissioner is designated to receive facilities related to inspection, infrastructure improvements, and operational oversight for the border crossing.
General Services Administration: Required to review and approve the Donation Acceptance Proposal concerning the construction and staffing of inspection facilities associated with the border facilities.
Department of Transportation: Involved in the coordination and approval process for the design and staffing of the inspection facilities and infrastructure improvements at the port of entry.
United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission: Must provide concurrence prior to the initiation of construction, ensuring compliance with international boundary and water regulations.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between three and five specific Federal agencies are directly affected by this action.)

Responsible Officials

City of Eagle Pass, Texas (Permittee) – Responsible for expanding, constructing, maintaining, and operating the Border facilities in strict conformance with the permit’s conditions.
President or His Designee – Receives notifications regarding transfers of custody/control and detailed reports on facility status and compliance.
Secretary of State – Must notify the permittee when its diplomatic exchange with Mexico is complete, thereby authorizing the commencement of construction.
Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection – To receive and review the Donation Acceptance Proposal and ensure that inspection facilities and related requirements are met.
Administrator of General Services – Involved in approving the Donation Acceptance Proposal concerning infrastructure and facility enhancements.
Secretary of Transportation – Also required to approve the Donation Acceptance Proposal related to construction and operational planning.
Representative of the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission – Must provide concurrence prior to the initiation of construction.
Representatives of Federal, State, and Local Agencies – Empowered to inspect the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities to ensure full compliance with permit conditions.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple agency heads and Cabinet-level officials, involving high-level coordination and oversight.)