BROWNSVILLE, Texas (March 21, 2018) – At a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, the Brownsville City Commission voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Brownsville and Cameron County to request additional resources for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Gateway International Bridge during Semana Santa through the federal Reimbursable Service Program Section 559 Donation Acceptance Program.
The Donation Acceptance Program allows CBP to enter into agreements with local governments to address increased wait times.
The MOU will allow the City of Brownsville to work with Cameron County and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to request additional CBP staff to oversee added vehicular and pedestrian traffic lanes to accommodate the increased number of travelers expected during Semana Santa.
The Cameron County Commissioners’ Court on Monday approved the MOU during a meeting.
“I commend the action by the Brownsville City Commission to approve this partnership with Cameron County and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino. “Southern Cameron County is an attractive tourist destination for families during Semana Santa, we hope this measure encourages visitors to return and invite their friends.
If this model and process works it is something that we might want to do for other busy times of the year.”
“The City of Brownsville is honored to work alongside county and federal officials to provide visitors with secure and efficient travel to Brownsville during Semana Santa,” said Brownsville Interim City Manager Michael L. Lopez. “We welcome visitors to enjoy their vacation in Brownsville as they create memories, explore Brownsville and shop in our beautiful city while supporting our local economy.”
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