Border Trade Advisory Committee Report Cary Karnstadt, TxDOT 2012 Border to Border Transportation Conference South Padre Island, TX November 14, 2012

Overview Originally established in 2001 by Transportation Code, Sec Appointed by Texas Transportation Commission Committee charge: Texas Transportation Code: “The committee shall define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and governor for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges.”

BTAC Membership Numerous agencies along and near the border Metropolitan planning organizations (6) Ports of entry (9) University research centers (2) Regional mobility authority (1) Cities (2) County (1) Other (4)

Goals BTAC has identified four goals: 1. Promoting the development of ample and expendable trade transportation corridors. 2. Developing coordination mechanisms to foster trade between Mexico and Texas.

Goals 3. Leveraging safety and security measures to enhance trade efficiencies. 4. Demonstrating the economic benefits of international trade at the national, state, and local levels.

Implementation Strategies Trade Transportation Corridors Support major trade corridors Develop policies to facilitate trade at both state and federal levels

Implementation Strategies Coordination with Mexico Coordinate with Mexico to ensure proper planning of trade corridors Promote more efficient international border crossings Promote cooperation with and understanding of U.S. policies

Implementation Strategies Safety and Security Measures Promote efficiencies at international border crossings Develop international border crossings that take advantage of the latest technologies Review the Presidential Permit policy to facilitate international bridge construction Provide a balance between required inspections and efficient trade flow

Implementation Strategies Economic Benefits of International Trade Identify national, statewide, and international benefits of trade

How the Strategies are Implemented Road project development, planning, and construction International bridge expansions and new locations Bi-national programs, policies, and coordination Coordination of federal, state, regional, and local government activities and policies

How the Strategies are Implemented Master plans and studies Intelligent transportation system technologies Border crossing efficiencies through new technology Innovative financing

Example Challenges 1. Current economic challenges along the international border 2. Loss of momentum after national elections in either country 3. Many of the BTAC strategies and actions depend on actions and collaboration from federal agencies, such as DHS, USDOT, USCBP.

Example Successes 1. Hidalgo County MPO has established a great working relationship with the City of Reynosa, Mexico. 2. Multiple highway projects of the La Entrada al Pacifico trade corridor have been constructed in Mexico and Texas. (Midland-Odessa MPO/Midland- Odessa Transportation Alliance)

Example Successes 3. The State of Coahuila officially joined the Ports to Plains Alliance (TxDOT-LBB) 4. Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras is becoming the largest rail port on the southern border.

Questions Contact Information Cary Karnstadt TxDOT – TPP(S) Bill Frawley TTI