DALLAS -- El Paso County, Texas, commissioners are considering using money from certificates of obligation approved in 2012 and vehicle registration fees to provide the $17 million needed for the second phase of the Manuel Aguilera Highway.
The highway would connect the Tornillo-Guadalupe International Port of Entry with Interstate 10. The combined road and bridge project would cost about $133 million.
The new port of entry bridge is expected to be completed in July and operational by the end of 2014. The connecting highway would include tolled lanes, providing revenue to the county. The county would operate the toll facilities or hire a private company to collect tolls, design, install and maintain the toll operation.
The new phase of the project includes building a highway and bridge over railroad lines. County officials also are planning to demolish the Fabens-Caseta Bridge by late 2015. The timing for the bridge opening still hinges on whether Mexico completes its side of the bridge on schedule, county officials said.
Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry is a six-lane border crossing for vehicular, pedestrian and commercial traffic. Ten on-site buildings include a main office facility, kennel, import and export facilities, commercial vehicle inspection, public restrooms and offices for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the State of Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission. The site will also include its own wastewater treatment plant and helipad.
As of Oct 1, 2013, El Paso County had about $226 million of debt outstanding. Debt service of $20.3 million for fiscal year 2014 included $9.7 million of principal and $10.7 million of interest.
The county carries ratings of AA from Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings with a Moody's Investors Service rating of Aa2. Outlooks are stable.
