Bridge of the Americas

Key Concern

No economic impact study was conducted during the NEPA review process
GSA’s decision does not fully account for the potential impacts on trade, supply chains, jobs, and the regional economy
The Chamber is seeking federal reconsideration, supported by findings from an independent economic impact study commissioned by the Chamber and conducted by the Hunt Institute

Bridge of the Americas (El Paso–Ciudad Juárez)

Why BOTA and the El Paso Region Matter

Total imports and exports in the region have roughly doubled since 2020
BOTA is the region’s only toll-free port and is critical to manufacturing supply chains
BOTA handled $12 billion in two-way truck trade in 2025
BOTA ranked second among major U.S.–Mexico border PoEs in both truck export value and commercial truck crossing growth¹

¹ Reporting time: June 2024-May 2025 and June 2025-May 2026

What is at Risk

10.9% of commercial trade could leak to other border regions²
$36.6B in forgone truck trade in 2036 alone ²
$2.3B loss in economic output (2028-2036) ²
9,529 job-years and $600.7M in labor income loss (2028-2036) ²

² Hunt Institute, BOTA Modernization: Economic and Trade Effects in El Paso County (August 2026)

An aerial view of the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas. Photo by James Tourtellotte.

Regional Consequences

Increased strain on other ports of entry (Tornillo, Ysleta-Zaragoza, and Santa Teresa)
As commercial traffic shifts to other ports of entry, overall regional emissions are projected to increase, including a moderate-to-significant increase in emissions at Ysleta-Zaragoza
Reduced competitiveness and long-term investment in El Paso
Without the expansion of other ports, the region is expected to reach operational capacity in 2034. BOTA’s closure would accelerate this timeline to 2031

Path Forward

The El Paso Chamber is calling on local, state, and federal officials to use the data contained in this study to reevaluate Alternative 4 and pause its implementation. The Chamber urges officials to evaluate alternatives that address BOTA's infrastructure and safety needs while maintaining commercial operations and protecting this investment for our region.