The U.S. Department of State informed City of Laredo officials that the Presidential Permit application for the Colombia Bridge Expansion has been deemed complete. The announcement was made during the visit of municipal representatives to Washington, D.C.
The City of Laredo submitted the application to the Department of State on November 14, 2024. During the review process, a consultant hired by the city worked in coordination with the federal agency to address inquiries and provide the required documentation. Final responses were reportedly sent two weeks ago and official notification of this progress was received last night.
Laredo Mayor Victor D. Treviño, M.D., noted that this is an important step in efforts to strengthen international trade and consolidate the city’s position as a strategic port of entry. “The expansion of the Colombia Bridge is a key project for the region’s economic growth,” he said.
In accordance with the Defense Authorization Act, the application now enters a 120-day review period. During the first 60 days, the State Department will evaluate whether the expansion is in the national interest. Subsequently, the file will be sent to the White House, which will have another 60 days to issue the permit. If no action is taken within this period, the application will be automatically approved.
The City of Laredo is also pushing for the expansion of the World Trade Bridge, which is scheduled for completion in 2028. In the case of the Colombia Bridge, the expansion is projected for approximately 18 months after the completion of the other project.
Local authorities have expressed their intention to continue collaborating with federal agencies in the development of these infrastructure initiatives, with the goal of improving trade efficiency and promoting economic growth in the region.
