U.S. General Services Administration
Lane Expansion to Decrease Wait Times at Anzalduas Land Port of Entry
McAllen, Texas - The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board (AIBB) are pleased to announce the completion of a roadway expansion project at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry (LPOE) that is designed to reduce wait times at the port.
The project is a part of the Donations Acceptance Program which allows GSA and CBP to accept donations to support LPOE operations. In this case, the AIBB donated the improvements for the small scale infrastructure project that added approximately 605 linear feet of pavement to the existing roadway to help expedite non-commercial traffic. The donation included upgrading the concrete pavement, restriping the road, and re-grading the adjacent natural ground to ensure proper drainage.
“Public-private partnership opportunities like this help optimize GSA’s value within local communities,” said GSA PBS Regional Commissioner Giancarlo Brizzi. “By aligning our operational goals and strategic plans with the economic development goals of local communities, we are able to create a positive economic catalyst in the communities we serve and the U.S. economy as a whole.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to pursue public-private partnerships with local entities, such as the Anzalduas International Bridge Board. Having an additional lane and improvements like these have a significant positive impact in our ability to expedite processing times for passengers and also strengthen our ports of entry and the surrounding communities” said Pete Flores, CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations.
“The City of McAllen and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board are proud to partner with CBP and GSA on this donation for infrastructure improvements. We are committed to continue to work with our federal partners to identify and implement innovative methods to expedite traffic and trade at our port of entry,” said City of McAllen Mayor and AIBB Chairman Javier Villalobos, J.D. “The Donations Acceptance Program provides us that venue where we come together and address specific federal needs at the local level which keeps international trade and commerce flowing swiftly and smoothly on both sides of the border. Projects like this ensure that CBP continues with its mission of facilitating legitimate trade and travel while addressing the economic growth and expansion of our city.”
The Donations Acceptance Program allows GSA and CBP to partner with public and private entities to accept donations in support of CBP operations at our nation’s borders. When donated improvements are incorporated into these projects, the value of GSA’s services are significantly increased. The program provides a win-win scenario for customer agencies like CBP, local communities and the American taxpayer.
This lane expansion project is in addition to the project GSA, CBP and AIBB are currently working on to provide new full commercial port facilities at the Anzalduas LPOE.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA