The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) in October issued the Port of Brownsville a grade A score for its Local Government Risk Assessment based on the performance of the South Port Connector Road construction project.

A risk score of A signifies that the Brownsville Navigation District (BND) presents a low-level risk to TXDoT based on the current project performance. The Local Government Risk Assessment and Qualifications Review process includes criteria such as a local government’s credibility, audit history, financial records, compliance, communications, expertise, stability, and teamwork. Interdepartmental collaboration between port departments was key in achieving the score.

Construction of the 1.9-mile South Port Connector Road Project began August 2020 and is slated for completion at the end of 2021. The road is one of the latest infrastructural advancements at the port that will benefit not only port tenants but surrounding businesses and support the space industry in South Texas.

The road will improve vehicular traffic safety by providing a connection between Ostos Road inside the port with State Highway 4, adding another entry and exit to and from the port as well as convenient access to commercial lanes at Veterans International Bridge.

The connector road is is the first phase of Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority’s (CCRMA) larger East Loop Corridor construction project. The project is made possible by a partnership between the BND, Cameron County, the CRMA, the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) and TXDOT.

In accordance with federal and state regulations, TxDOT has a responsibility to determine whether each local government is qualified and has adequate resources and controls to perform project work, prior to authorizing it to perform any element of the project development process.