Bridge staff reported a $25 million federal BUILD grant award for the World Trade Bridge and outlined required matches and bond financing; committee members raised questions about prior allocations from bridge revenues, the distribution formula with the general fund, and timing for bond financing.

After weeks of stakeholder meetings and a long public hearing, the council approved a three‑year phased toll increase starting Jan. 1, 2027, to shore up World Trade and Colombia Bridge capital needs and preserve bridge system solvency. Council members pushed staff for annual performance reporting and flexibility for extraordinary economic conditions.

City staff told the Port of Entry Advisory Committee the environmental assessment for Laredo bridge expansion is nearly complete and that negotiations with a private partner continue; committee members urged revisiting a 1998 resolution that splits toll revenue 50/50 given rising costs and bond needs estimated at about $225 million.