$25M BUILD grant advances World Trade Bridge project

Federal and local officials announced that the city of Laredo has been awarded a $25 million federal BUILD grant to expand the World Trade Bridge, a project expected to increase commercial capacity at the nation's busiest commercial land port of entry and support the flow of nearly 40% of all U.S.-Mexico trade.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's BUILD Grant Program, will help fund two additional commercial lanes on the existing bridge and a new northbound span with eight commercial lanes. The project will significantly expand capacity at the World Trade Bridge.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar called the award one of the largest BUILD grants received for the project. He said it builds on years of federal investment in Laredo's international bridge system.

"We're excited," Cuellar said. "This will cement Laredo as the number one port for a long time."

Cuellar said expanding the bridge is only one part of a broader effort to keep freight moving efficiently through South Texas. He said additional investments in personnel, technology and Interstate 35 remain priorities, including the IH-35 checkpoint expansion.

"We not only need the infrastructure, but we need the personnel and the technology," he said.

Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño said the investment extends beyond transportation improvements.

"This investment is more than just adding lanes," Treviño said. "It's about strengthening the nation's supply chain, improving efficiency, reducing congestion, enhancing security and safety, and preparing our community for continued economic growth."

Treviño said the project will ultimately require funding beyond the $25 million grant. He called the federal investment another significant milestone toward expanding the World Trade Bridge.

According to Cuellar's office, Laredo processed more than $352 billion in world trade over the past year, including nearly $339 billion in international trade in 2024. Roughly 40% of all U.S.-Mexico trade crosses through Laredo, with nearly 3 million commercial trucks entering the United States through the city each year.

The announcement comes less than a week after local officials voiced concern about uncertainty surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Although negotiations over the trade pact continue, officials said the bridge expansion reflects continued confidence in Laredo's role as the country's leading gateway for commerce with Mexico.

District III Councilmember Melissa Cigarroa said the award represents years of planning between the city of Laredo, transportation partners and the private sector.

"We continue to look for opportunities to build and expand and invest," Cigarroa said. "It is with great pride that we continue to invest in the port which allows so many economic opportunities for the people here, for the state of Texas, and for our nation as a whole."

Bridge System Director Elsa Hinojosa credited city of Laredo staff, economic development officials and industry partners with preparing the successful application after an earlier attempt fell short.

The grant follows last month's signing of binational conceptual design plans by the United States and Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission, another key step toward expanding the World Trade Bridge. It also builds on previous federal investments in Laredo's bridge system, including $62 million for the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge II and $27 million for the Gateway of the Americas Bridge I.

Construction timelines have not yet been announced.

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