Escobar: Roma International Bridge has seen a tenfold increase in truck crossings since 2018

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – The Roma–Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge has seen a ten-fold increase in truck crossings over the last seven years and the growth is only going to increase.

This is the prediction of Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr.

Back in 2018, we were crossing 20 commercial vehicles (a day). Our operation there for importing was almost non-existent. Now, in 2024, we are averaging slightly over 200 commercial trucks a day,” Escobar said.

“Of course, compared to other ports of entry, that might not sound very significant, but for our port and for what’s going on here in Starr County, that’s definitely a huge step in the right direction. And all of that has prompted for us to look into further industrial growth.”

Escobar made his comments during a panel discussion about industrial, commercial and retail opportunities in Starr County. The event was co-hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation and held at the Rio Grande City Public Safety Building. 

The moderator of the panel discussion was Sara Hernandez, interim executive director of Rio Grande City EDC. One of the questions Hernandez asked Escobar was to describe the impact Mexico’s proximity to Roma has on the local economy. Escobar responded: 

“Roma is the closest (U.S.) port of entry to Monterrey. And as we know, Monterrey is one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico. It’s the manufacturing hub of the country. And now, with the nearshoring phenomenon and everything that’s going on in Mexico, we’re primed. The city of Roma is prime for development.

“So, is it an advantage for us? Absolutely. And it’s something that we are trying to take advantage of, for the development of our industrial park, the expansion of our port of entry. So, the City of Roma, we’re really, really excited.”

Escobar said much of attention of Roma’s city leadership is currently focused on economic development. By way of example he referenced the Las Americas Roma Logistics & Industrial Park.

“We’re really excited about the future. We believe that the opportunities are here and now. And Las Americas Industrial Park is an example the steps we’re doing to prepare and to take advantage of our proximity (to Mexico).”

Later, during the panel discussions, Escobar reiterated the point that industrial development is now a top priority for Roma.

“We’ve capitalized in the last two, three, years on the industrial potential and industrial development. The City of Roma, the economic development council, has purchased over 300 acres of land that will be dedicated strictly for industrial development, (and) some heavy manufacturing,” Escobar said.

City and EDC leaders have said they plan to develop the 300-plus acres, located off of FM 650, to create a heavy-industrial-zoned subdivision to service the needs of importers seeking to lease, purchase, or develop an industrial building.

“We’re really excited. We have not really capitalized before, on our ports of entry.”

Escobar said another focus is retail development.

“We’re working very closely with the Starr County Industrial Foundation on retail developments. And things are looking very promising.”

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