Congresswoman Escobar Announces BOTA Project Moved to Design-Build Phase

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in announcing that the Bridge of the Americas Modernization Project has moved on to the Design-Build stage. This phase narrows down the possible contractors for the project to three, a meaningful step forward in the much needed updates to el Puente Libre. “I’m delighted to announce that the $500 million modernization of the Bridge of the Americas - also known as el Puente Libre - has moved one step closer to construction," Congresswoman Escobar said. “The selection of the top three contractors competing for the project brings us one step closer to delivering a transformational investment to our border region that will lead to cleaner air and a healthier community for generations to come. I’m grateful to the more than 12,000 El Pasoans who participated in the multi-year public input effort and to the local governments and organizations that took the time to help shape the outcome. As this project continues to move forward, local governments and other organizations must come together to plan for what’s needed at our other land ports of entry so we adequately prepare for the removal of commercial traffic at BOTA. I remain committed to ensuring our community is both a leader in trade and cross-border commerce as well as respectful of our community’s voices." Congresswoman Escobar’s Push to Remove Commercial Traffic and Prioritize El Pasoans at the Bridge of the Americas: August 2022 - Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA to kick off stakeholder engagement for the BOTA modernization. Local government, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) , Department of State, HOME, neighborhood associations near the bridge and other stakeholders attended to learn about the process. GSA committed to robust community engagement throughout the design concept and environmental impact process. GSA hosted a series of community meetings beginning in Fall 2022, where the Congresswoman helped ensure local community members were present and their voices heard at the highest levels . April 7, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with GSA to provide feedback on concerns and issues shared with her by El Paso stakeholders. July 5, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar met with members of the San Xavier, Chamizal, and Washington-Delta neighborhood associations regarding their experiences with past construction projects impacting their communities and their concerns about the BOTA modernization project. July 19, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar sent a letter to GSA requesting a Health Impact Assessment to be included as part of the Environmental Impact Survey process. October 19, 2023 –Congresswoman Escobar announced a series of listening sessions on BOTA with various stakeholders and sent out an email survey asking constituents their opinion on commercial traffic at BOTA. October 27, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a convening of governmental stakeholders- United States federally, Texas state, local and Ciudad Juarez and State ofChihuahua attending. November 13, 2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a virtual town hall with a legislative update, including an update on the BOTA LPOE modernization project, with over 2,000 constituents in attendance. November 17,  2023 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session with US and Mexico industry leaders (maquilas, custom brokers, trucking companies, etc). January 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a listening session at the Chamizal Recreational Center with GSA, IBWC, and CBP leadership to hear from the community members including Familias Unidas, San Xavier and Washington-Delta Neighborhood Associations. May 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted a meeting with GSA, CBP, City and County to discuss BOTA and what can be done for City and County to prepare for additional traffic at other ports of entry. July 2024 – Congresswoman Escobar hosted an update meeting with local and federal governmental stakeholders for BOTA, including Juarez Mayor and ANAM Director. May 2025 - Congresswoman Escobar joined GSA in announcing the final Record of Decision .