FHWA finds no need for 30-day notice; World Trade expansion EA approved and DAP sent to GSA for review

Bridge staff updated the committee that the final environmental assessment (EA) for the World Trade Bridge expansion was approved by the consultant and forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). FHWA determined the project did not meet the conditions requiring a 30‑day notice under 23 CFR 771.115(a), allowing the process to proceed without the statutory notice period and expediting the timeline.

Staff said consultant Robba Kinster Incorporated and other engineers coordinated the EA submittal and that FHWA approved the final EA in mid-May. On May 29, staff informed the consultant that the EA had been forwarded to FHWA.

On the related Colombia expansion, staff reported that the Donation Acceptance Proposal (DAP) was submitted to the General Services Administration (GSA) for review on June 12, 2026; staff estimated a 60–120 day review window before GSA returns a decision. Staff also said they continue to coordinate operational needs with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Joint Security Arrangements (JSA) and that the project timeline assumes construction activity in 2027–2028, with Phase 1 of the World Trade expansion targeted for completion in August 2028.

Committee members asked about counterpart progress on the Mexican side; staff said they meet monthly with Mexican counterparts and consultants to align schedules and that monthly coordination will continue to ensure both sides track to compatible timelines.