Laredo transfers World Trade Bridge to feds

LAREDO – The World Trade Bridge has a new owner — the U.S. General Services Administration (USGA). Previously the property was leased by the USGSA from the City of Laredo. The port was legally transferred to the agency Feb. 27.

"Through federal ownership, USGSA is able to save the American taxpayer money and better serve our partner agency, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)," according to the USGSA. Federal ownership of World Trade Bridge allows the USGSA to begin several construction projects.

“By funding the initial construction of the federal inspection facilities to include at World Trade Bridge, the City of Laredo was able to secure its position as the nation’s number one inland port by having all of the necessary facilities on site…," said City Manager Carlos Villarreal.

Since its inception, the World Trade Bridge has become the busiest commercial port on the southwest border. It spans 77 acres with building improvements and crosses 4,300 trucks per day.