Cameron County wins federal approval to buy 50% stake in the B&M International Bridge 

Cameron County has received a presidential permit authorizing it to own, operate, and maintain the Brownsville & Matamoros (B&M) Bridge, clearing a major federal hurdle in the county’s planned acquisition of a 50% ownership stake in one of the Rio Grande Valley’s key international trade crossings.  

County officials announced Friday that they received formal notification on July 30 that the permit had been granted, allowing Cameron County to proceed with its plan to purchase Union Pacific Railroad’s entire ownership interest in the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge Co.

The Cameron County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the acquisition agreement on Oct. 7, 2025.  

Once the transaction closes, the county plans to invest in infrastructure and operational upgrades designed to improve the efficiency of cross-border trade. Planned improvements include enhanced toll collection technology, upgraded inspection facilities, and expanded customs processing capabilities to speed commercial traffic while strengthening security at the international crossing.  

“This Presidential Permit represents more than an ownership milestone; it provides Cameron County with an opportunity to strengthen international trade through modernization and improved operational efficiency across our land ports of entry,” Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said in a statement.  

Treviño also credited U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, for supporting the county’s efforts to secure the federal approval.  

Commissioner Sofia C. Benavides said the project builds on the longstanding relationship between Cameron County and Mexico by creating new opportunities to strengthen trade, commerce, transportation and cultural ties.

“The dedication of the Cameron County team, along with the collaboration and partnership with Union Pacific over the past several years, has been instrumental in making this historic agreement a reality,” Benavides said.  

County Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. said the bridge acquisition complements other transportation investments, including the East Loop project, and will help establish a more efficient international trade corridor between the United States and Mexico.  

After the acquisition is completed, Cameron County will own and operate four international bridges. County officials said bringing the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge under county ownership will allow it to implement the same security enhancements, operational standards and modernization initiatives already in place at its other international crossings.