Border Trade Advisory Committee ReportCary Karnstadt, TxDOT

2012 Border to Border Transportation ConferenceSouth Padre Island, TX

November 14, 2012

OverviewOriginally established in 2001 by Transportation Code,

Sec. 201.114

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 MembershipNumerous 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)

GoalsBTAC 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.

Goals3. 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 StrategiesTrade Transportation Corridors

• Support major trade corridors • Develop policies to facilitate trade

at both state and federal levels

Implementation StrategiesCoordination 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 StrategiesSafety 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 StrategiesEconomic Benefits of International Trade

• Identify national, statewide, and international benefits of trade

How the Strategies are ImplementedRoad 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 Challenges1. 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 Successes1. 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 Successes3. 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.

QuestionsContact Information

Cary Karnstadt TxDOT – TPP(S) 512-486-5056 cary.karnstadt@txdot.gov

Bill Frawley TTI 817-462-0533 w-frawley@tamu.edu