U.S. General Services Administration
Public Affairs Officer
Jorge Pineda
682-269-9322
jorge.pineda@gsa.gov and/or press@gsa.gov
Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry
Built in 1967, the BOTA LPOE is located on the international border separating El Paso, TX, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. This land port connects with the Mexican land port of “Cordova” in Juarez, Chihuahua, MX, and is one of four crossings in El Paso. The port processes toll-free inbound and outbound commercial, non-commercial, and pedestrian traffic. As a result, the volume of traffic is heavy with many travelers and commercial vehicles choosing to enter and exit through this facility in lieu of paying a toll.
Much of the port facility has reached the end of its life cycle as most of the buildings and infrastructure are operating at or beyond capacity no longer meeting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection current design standards. Being the only toll-free port of entry in El Paso, an increase in truck and vehicular traffic over the last few years has created significant congestion making it difficult to support this increased volume of traffic.
The BOTA LPOE sits on approximately 28 acres of fully developed property surrounded on three sides by an extensive highway system.
LPOE details
Address: 3600 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905
Year constructed: 1967
Port size: 28 Acres
Budget:
Total: $474,000,000–$579,300,000
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
FDA
Department of Transportation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Current status
The BOTA LPOE modernization project is advancing and adhering to revised guidelines that align with executive orders and updated policy.
The contract solicitation for the project’s design and construction is anticipated in fall 2025. The Sources Sought Notice was posted on May 8, 2025.
GSA remains committed to providing updates as they become available.
Environmental review
On May 2, 2025, GSA released the Record of Decision (ROD) to accompany the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The ROD officially selected the project’s preferred alternative and provided the rationale behind the choice. This completed the project’s National Environmental Policy Act review that began in 2023.
The ROD, final EIS and associated documents are available for viewing.
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
Enhanced feasibility study Environmental and site needs | Contract award | Start Substantial completion |
SAM.gov
Find out more by visiting the design and construction contract page.
Local updates
No current work is being done to the actual site at this time. The project will help improve traffic flow and border security while decreasing wait times for travelers.
Project news
- May 2, 2025
GSA Moving Forward With the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry Project in El Paso. The project’s Record of Decision is released to accompany the final EIS. - Jan. 10, 2025
GSA publishes the BOTA LPOE modernization project Final Environmental Impact Statement and documents. - Oct. 17, 2024
Community Meeting Presentation (October 2024) [PDF - 4 MB] - Oct. 9, 2024
GSA to host public meeting on the Bridge of the Americas port modernization - La GSA organizará una reunión pública para la modernización del Puerto de Entrada Terrestre del Puente de las Américas
- Sept. 20, 2024
GSA releases draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Bridge of the Americas port project in El Paso. - La GSA publica el borrador de Declaración de Impacto Ambiental del proyecto portuario Puente de las Américas en El Paso.
- June 26, 2024
Community engagement meeting presentation (June 2024) [PDF - 6 MB] - June 17, 2024
General Services Administration to host public meeting for the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry modernization. - April 2024
GSA signs Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the International Boundary and Water Commission as cooperating agencies for NEPA compliance. - Dec. 26, 2023
GSA awards $10 million for pre-design services for modernizing facilities at the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry - Dec. 13, 2023
NEPA Comment Sheet [DOCX - 44 KB]
NEPA 12-13 Meeting Presentation [PDF - 6 MB] - Aug. 16, 2023
GSA Holds Community Engagement Meeting for the BOTA Modernization Project [PDF - 13 MB] - June 6, 2023
BOTA Enhanced Feasibility Study Submission Map [PDF - 153 KB] - April 4, 2023
Community Engagement Meeting Presentation [PDF - 37 MB] - Nov. 10, 2022
Biden-Harris administration announces $820,000 contract award for IIJA project - Nov. 10, 2022
Biden-Harris administration announces IIJA awards at three Texas land ports
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
GSA received $3.4 billion to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges.
Visit the Texas LPOE page for an overview of IIJA projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
Community impact
GSA will fully modernize the port with a new administration building, new pedestrian processing lanes, new primary building, and new passenger vehicle lanes. The project will help improve traffic flow and border security while decreasing wait times for travelers.