SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1083

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the officials of the City of Presidio and Presidio 
County who are having ongoing discussions with state and federal 
officials in an effort to attain joint ownership of the Presidio 
International Bridge; and
	WHEREAS, The Presidio International Bridge is located in both
the United States and Mexico, and the portion in the United States
is maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation; and
	WHEREAS, Commerce between the United States and Mexico has 
increased significantly in recent years, and it is anticipated 
that it will increase even more in the coming years; and
	WHEREAS, The heightened traffic will require more funds 
for operating and maintaining the bridge; at the same time, the 
Presidio residents who live along the border have especially low 
incomes, resulting in a low tax base from which to draw funds for 
infrastructure and services; and
	WHEREAS, Mexico charges a toll for traveling from Mexico to 
this country; federal law, however, currently prohibits toll charges
for crossing the bridge from the United States into Mexico; and
	WHEREAS, The proposed transference of ownership and authority
would allow the City of Presidio and Presidio County to charge a 
toll, provide the needed funds for maintaining the bridge, and 
allow surplus funds to be used for the general welfare of the 
local residents; and
	WHEREAS, The feasibility of the proposed conveyance of the 
Presidio International Bridge to the City and County of Presidio 
is indeed worthy of examination and assessment, and the Texas Senate
encourages a quick resolution; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend the efforts of the representatives
of the City and County of Presidio regarding the ownership of the 
Presidio International Bridge and extend appreciation to the 
Texas Department of Transportation for its assistance in facilitating
this transaction; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 
expression of regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Madla




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 29, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate