Dear john,

Today, I announced a $165 million expansion project for the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) C29 Checkpoint on I-35.

I also announced $200 million from TxDoT for the widening of I-35 from 1.2 north of the 83 interchange, to 1 mile north of the C29 Checkpoint. The highway will be widened from 4 to 6 lanes to accommodate the new checkpoint.

In total, this is an approximately $365 million project.

The project includes a short-term solution with improvements to Texas State Highway I-35 Frontage Road including road widening, lighting, and safety barriers.

The checkpoint will then be expanded from 6 inspection lanes to 16. It will also include: 5 secondary bus lanes, 4 cargo dock areas, a secondary HAZMAT containment area, innovative NII systems, a substation, training office, seizure lot, canine facility, fleet office, and an Aerobic Septic System.

This expansion will improve international commerce, enhance public safety, and reduce drug and human trafficking.

Thank you, Border Patrol Laredo Sector Chief Carl Landrum, the rest of USBP, State Representative Richard Raymond, Mayor of Laredo Pete Saenz, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, TxDoT District Engineer David Salazar,  Laredo Chief of Police Claudio Trevino, DPS, Jerry Maldonado and the Laredo Motor Carriers Association, Robert Morris and the Laredo Licensed U.S. Custom Brokers Association, our trucking industry, all law enforcement, and the rest of our elected officials for working with me to bring this project to life.