Authorizing Cameron County, Texas, To Own, Operate, and Maintain the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge in Brownsville, Texas

This Presidential Permit authorizes Cameron County, Texas to own, operate, and maintain the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge, a vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle crossing on the U.S.-Mexico border. The permit imposes conditions regarding maintenance standards, federal/state/local compliance, inspection access, transfer restrictions, and presidential oversight authority.

Federal Register Open PDF 91 FR 50467

Impact dates

Mar 30, 2026
Cameron County shall own, operate, and maintain the B&M Bridge per the March 30, 2026 Application

Key directives

Cameron County shall own, operate, and maintain the B&M Bridge per the March 30, 2026 Application
Permittee shall grant free and unrestricted access to authorized federal, state, and local agency representatives
Permittee shall comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations
Permittee shall obtain and maintain all required permits, approvals, and authorizations
Permittee shall immediately notify President or designee of any transfer to federal agency and seek presidential approval
Permittee shall maintain bridge in good repair using best management practices
Permittee shall provide information to President or designee upon request
No substantial changes without presidential approval
President may terminate, revoke, or amend permit at sole discretion

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Permit takes effect upon signing
Cameron County assumes ownership/operation/maintenance responsibilities

Near term (90d)

Implementation of maintenance and operational standards per Application
Coordination with federal inspection agencies for access protocols

Long term

Ongoing compliance with federal/state/local laws
Potential presidential review of any transfer or substantial changes
Bridge operation contingent on continued use as international crossing

Risks & tensions

Presidential retention of unilateral termination/revocation authority creates operational uncertainty for county
Funding availability caveat in Article 9 may limit enforceability of amendments
Transfer restrictions to non-federal entities require express presidential approval, potentially complicating local governance decisions
No explicit enforcement mechanism specified for condition violations beyond presidential discretion