DEL RIO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday opened the new port of entry at Amistad Dam in Del Rio, Texas.
This marks the completion of an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 project executed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District’s Engineering and Construction Support Office.
The new 6,952-square-foot facility contract was awarded for $7.7 million and replaces the antiquated 1960s-era port to enable new inspection processes and technologies. With the opening, the old facility will be demolished. The new border station is expected to handle 69,000 visitors each year with operational hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
The new port has been moved 1.6 miles further inland and off the dam. The new station shares adjacent land uses with National Park Service and International Boundary and Water Commission.
Because the international border line atop the dam and the border station are so far apart for legal entry, those who wish to visit atop the dam on the U.S. side must carry proper documentation for entry back through the station.
The new port includes a main building with a public lobby and restroom. The new facility improves on the working space, including two office work stations and two pedestrian processing counters as well as officer space. There is also an inbound inspection booth, a secondary inspection canopy for closer inspection, and perimeter fencing, lighting, gates and other security measures. A laboratory allows inspection of agricultural contraband.