H.R. No. 2835
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is one of the
most important ports of entry on the United States-Mexico border;
and
WHEREAS, Opened in 1994, the bridge spans 3.2 miles as it
connects U.S. Highway 281 to the rapidly growing city of Reynosa,
one of northern Mexico's major industrial cities, and it is
crossed, on average, by 110,000-125,000 vehicles each month; and
WHEREAS, With its strategic location in an area that features
extensive infrastructure and services as well as strong growth
potential, the bridge bolsters the economies of both Pharr and
Reynosa by improving the convenience of operations for importers,
exporters, and domestic and multinational manufacturing companies;
and
WHEREAS, The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is
recognized as the most-utilized commercial bridge in South Texas;
in 2014, it carried a record-setting $30.62 billion in trade, an
increase of $2.17 billion or 7.63 percent over the previous year's
total, and Pharr ranked no. 29 for total trade among the nation's
roughly 450 airports, seaports, and border crossings; heavily used
for the transport of produce, the bridge ranked first among U.S.
air, sea, and land border crossings for avocados, melons, and
berries, and it was no. 2 for tomato imports and for produce
overall; and
WHEREAS, Commercial traffic enjoys the fastest crossing time
in the Rio Grande Valley at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge;
known as "the intelligent bridge," this vital international
transportation link employs the Free and Secure Trade "F.A.S.T.
Lane" program, which allows for the expedited inspection of
documents and cargoes, as well as the Automated Commercial
Environment program; in addition, bridge security uses gamma ray
inspection equipment and other state-of-the-art technology;
current data indicates the increase in commercial truck traffic at
the bridge reflects industry confidence in the port's safety,
convenience, and prompt adaptation to the needs and expectations of
international commerce representatives; and
WHEREAS, The bridge's success has been made possible through
the outstanding efforts of many area residents, including members
of the city commission and the bridge's board of directors, which is
composed of elected officials and community representatives;
moreover, the many skilled and dedicated individuals involved in
the bridge's operations and maintenance are essential to its
mission, as are the local staff and officers of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency; and
WHEREAS, The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge plays an
important role in this country's international trade, and it has
contributed significantly to the economic development of the Rio
Grande Valley and to the prosperity of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Pharr-Reynosa International
Bridge for its major significance as a port of entry and extend
sincere appreciation to all those whose work has furthered the
bridge's operation.
Canales
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2835 was adopted by the House on May
21, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House