Vasquez gives detailed presentation on Border Transportation Master Plan

Updating the BTMP is essential to create a flexible, forward-looking plan that ensures the border transportation system can adapt, remain resilient and support the efficient movement of people and goods in the years ahead.”

Sergio Vasquez, Border Program Manager, TxDOT.

MCALLEN, Texas - Sergio Vasquez, border program manager for the international trade and border planning team at TxDOT, has given a detailed update on the Border Transportation Master Plan.

Vasquez gave the update at a recent meeting of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee. The meeting was held at the McAllen Convention Center.

He also distributed a brochure which outlined the Border Transportation Master Plan and why the Texas Department of Transportation is updating it.

“The BTMP is a binational, comprehensive, multimodal, long-range plan that identifies current and future transportation needs, challenges, opportunities and strategies for moving people and goods safely and efficiently across the Texas, Mexico border, the border regions and beyond,” Vasquez wrote.

“The BTMP serves as the foundation for TxDOT’s border planning efforts, developed in collaboration with the U.S. and Mexican stakeholders, and extensive technical analysis. The BTMP Update will provide strategic recommendations to enhance mobility, safety, trade and resiliency along the 1254-mile Texas- Mexico border, which includes 34 border crossings.

Why Is TxDOT Updating the BTMP?

“The BTMP, developed by TxDOT in coordination with binational, federal, state, regional, local and private stakeholders, and adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission in 2021, set the foundation for cross-border mobility, trade and collaboration,” Vasquez wrote.

“Since then, several factors such as the pandemic, new trade policies like USMCA, nearshoring, rapid technology shifts, and global supply chain disruptions have reshaped the border landscape, while demand for moving people and goods continues to grow. 

“Updating the BTMP is essential to create a flexible, forward-looking plan that ensures the border transportation system can adapt, remain resilient and support the efficient movement of people and goods in the years ahead.”

Stakeholder Engagement

Vasquez said the BTMP Update will be guided by the Border Trade Advisory Committee, with input from six Binational Working Groups, TxDOT, and public and private sector stakeholders. 

Vasquez said the key stakeholders include:

• Federal government agencies
• County judges and city mayors, or their representatives
• Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Councils of Government, Rural Planning Organizations, Regional Mobility Authorities
• Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations
• Regional interest groups
• Statewide trade associations, representing industry
• Land ports of entry, Class I railroads, intermodal freight facilities and general cargo, airports and seaports
• Foreign Trade Zone representatives
• Bridge owners and operators
• Transportation system users, including transportation companies, producers, logistics providers, freight forwarders and customs brokers

Binational Working Groups

El Paso County-Ciudad Juarez MX BWG

Presidio County-Ojinaga MX BWG

Valverde, Maverick Counties-Piedras, Negras to Acuna MX BWG

Webb County-Columbia to Nuevo Laredo MX, BWG

Starr/Hidalgo Counties, Nuevo Progreso to Miguel Alemán MX BWG

Cameron County-Matamoros, MX, BWG

Editor’s Note: Here is a video recording of everything Sergio Vasquez said at the Texas Freight Advisory Committee meeting: