Bridge revenues continue decline

Cameron County Commissioners remained silent as they reviewed the figures for themselves: The county's revenues from international bridges have decreased again.

The information came during a report Tuesday at a meeting of the Cameron County Commissioners Court.

Precinct 3 Commissioner David Garza asked one question. Was the $324,367 figure cited just for third quarter of fiscal year 2008? The answer was yes.

"We were privy to that information from the day before," Garza said Wednesday.

Garza said it isn't a surprise to see the declining numbers because the drop has appeared to become common not only in Cameron County but other entities along the Texas-Mexico border. All are seeing less people crossing international bridges.

The county has continued to experience a decrease in bridge revenue over the past several years, which it has been unable to recoup.

The county maintains the Gateway International Bridge, Veterans Bridge and the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios.

Officials attribute the decrease to confusion over new passport regulations, tighter security at the bridges, motorists not wanting to deal with long lines at the international bridges and higher gasoline prices.

The proposed border fence could also be a factor in the revenue decrease.

"With all those deterrents to crossing, people just don't feel welcomed," Garza said.

Cameron County reported $324,367 in lost revenue between April and June, which brings the total decline in revenue over the previous year to $937,737.24 for the period between October and June. With three months left in the fiscal year, officials don't know what to expect.

However, they aren't expecting any increases.

Bridge revenues are part of the county's general fund, which is used for general operations, such as paying salaries or buying equipment. The county is currently holding budget workshops for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

County Judge Carlos H. Cascos said the report wasn't a surprise and said this should serve as a sign to departments within the county to start looking for ways to cut expenditures.

"We have always used the bridge system as the cash cow, and I've made the comments before that at some point the cash cow is going to dry up," Cascos said.

Cascos said he has been meeting with Matamoros Mayor Erik Silva to see how both Matamoros and Cameron County can promote tourism for both, which could increase bridge traffic.

"If we are being hurt they are being hurt," Cascos said.

Commercial traffic on the bridges has improved since the county reduced charges for commerical vehicles. However, this is not the case for non-commercial traffic, which generates the majority of the bridge revenues.

Garza said the county should consider developing a marketing plan to promote its bridges. His office staff is gathering information from South Padre Island and various Chambers of Commerce about their marketing strategies with Mexico.

He's already met with the Hispanic Chamber in Harlingen to discuss how to increase commerce between Harlingen and Mexico.

"We need to figure out the best strategy we can utilize to hopefully convince some of the folks in Mexico to utilize our systems more," Garza said. "We've got to devise a way and market the bridges."

BY THE NUMBERS

Revenues for Cameron County international bridges decreased by $937,737.24 from fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2008. Reporting period is from October to June for both periods.

Revenues for 2007

Gateway International Bridge: $4,858,579.44

Free Trade Bridge: $1,812,864.94

Veterans Bridge: $6,393,670.94

Total revenue: $13,065,115.32

Revenues for 2008

Gateway International Bridge: $4,567,744.54

Free Trade Bridge: $1,761,858.04

Veterans Bridge: $5,797,775.50

Total revenue: $12,127,378.08

SOURCE: Cameron County