09/30/2026
$40 billion in industrial investment. An estimated 40,000 jobs. Cameron County is preparing for major growth.
At a recent South Texas Manufacturers Association - STMA meeting, Executive Director Mike Willis and Cameron County, Texas Administrator Pete Sepulveda Jr. discussed the infrastructure, workforce, and services needed to support that expansion.
According to Sepulveda, projects involving Rio Grande LNG by NextDecade, SpaceX, Saronic Technologies, and Glenfarne’s Texas LNG project collectively represent approximately $40 billion in investment and 40,000 estimated jobs.
Key priorities include:
• Transportation: Approximately $200 million from the Texas Department of Transportation for State Highway 4, with completion expected within 12–18 months, plus the Outer Parkway, an interstate connector, and additional access routes to the Port of Brownsville - Texas and the SpaceX area. These connections also serve workers from City of Mission Texas and City of McAllen, TX traveling to the eastern Rio Grande Valley.
• Island access: The proposed second causeway to South Padre Island, “SPI 2nd Access,” on the island’s north side, remains under environmental review. Sepulveda expressed hope that construction could begin within the next few years.
• Border efficiency: Updates to the Veterans Bridge International (VBI) and Free Trade Bridge, pedestrian improvements at Gateway International Bridge, and efforts to attract commercial traffic could support manufacturers, maquiladoras, and produce businesses. Members also asked about opening additional crossings for commercial use.
• Four active presidential permits: Sepulveda identified the Port of Brownsville International Bridge, Flor de Mayo International Bridge, Gateway International Bridge Pedestrian Crossing, and B&M Bridge, stating that Cameron County is the only county in the country with four active presidential permits.
• Skilled jobs: According to the Port of Brownsville, Saronic Technologies’ planned Port Alpha shipyard represents $3.2 billion and is expected to create more than 10,000 direct jobs.
• Community readiness: Planning includes water, drainage, housing, healthcare, education, and workforce development, with coordination among cities, regional organizations, and state and federal partners. Local matching funds are helping the county pursue transportation funding.
The goal: ensure infrastructure and services keep pace with investment so businesses can expand and residents can access the opportunities ahead.
