Cameron County authorized to own and run the Brownsville–Matamoros bridge

What happened

• The President issued a presidential permit on July 30, 2026, allowing Cameron County, Texas to own, operate, and maintain the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge at the Brownsville–Matamoros Port of Entry.

Where and what is covered

• The permit covers the bridge over the Rio Grande connecting downtown Brownsville and Matamoros. The bridge is described as a concrete structure with four spans, four vehicle lanes, and a pedestrian crossing on the downstream side, plus associated approaches and U.S.-side facilities.

Key requirements and limits

• The county must follow all applicable federal laws and obtain any required federal, state, and local permits and easements.
• Federal, state, and local agency representatives may inspect the facilities; the permittee must provide free and unrestricted access for authorized officials.
• The county must keep the bridge in good repair, use best management practices, and file any required reports.
• No substantial changes to location or operation may be made without presidential approval.
• Any transfer of custody or control to a U.S. agency must be immediately reported to the President; transfers to non‑Federal entities require prior presidential approval and may include conditions.
• The President may amend, revoke, or terminate the permit at any time; the permit ends if the crossing is permanently closed.

Legal basis

• The permit was granted under 33 U.S.C. 535d and is based on the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge Presidential Permit Application dated March 30, 2026.