Secretary Howden Leads Border Trade Advisory Committee Meeting in Laredo

LAREDO - Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden this week presided over his first meeting of the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC), bringing together leaders from across the Texas-Mexico border to discuss transportation infrastructure, international trade and priorities for the state's border region.

The meeting was held in Laredo, the nation's No. 1 land port for international trade and a gateway for commerce between Texas, Mexico and the rest of North America.

"Laredo is the right place to hold my first meeting of the Border Trade Advisory Committee because you can see firsthand the importance of cross-border trade to Texas and the nation," Secretary Howden said. "The movement of people and goods across our border supports jobs, businesses and communities throughout Texas. We must continue planning and investing in the infrastructure necessary to keep Texas competitive for decades to come."

BTAC provides a forum for collaboration among stakeholders invested in border infrastructure. The committee develops strategies and makes recommendations to address transportation challenges affecting trade along the Texas-Mexico border.

Items discussed at Tuesday's meeting included an update of the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan-a binational, multimodal long-range plan designed to identify transportation needs, challenges and opportunities for moving people and goods safely and efficiently across the Texas-Mexico border.

"Texas has built the strongest economy in America by planning for growth and creating an environment where businesses can succeed," Howden said. "Our relationship with Mexico and the infrastructure connecting our two economies are essential to that success. The work of this committee helps ensure Texas is prepared not only for the trade moving across our border today, but for the growth we know is coming."

Established by the Texas Legislature in 2001, BTAC advises state leaders on border trade transportation priorities, projects and funding needs. The Secretary of State serves as the committee's presiding officer as part of the office's role in supporting Texas-Mexico border trade.

For more information about the Border Trade Advisory Committee, visit the Texas Department of Transportation website.

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