GSA Greens the US Border, Opens LEED Silver Border Station
Anzalduas Land Port of Entry is Model of Sustainable Design
December 15, 2009
Contact: Shala Geer-Smith (940) 453-5803
shala.geer-smith@gsa.gov
MCALLEN, Texas– The U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security today opened a state-of-the art, green land port of entry on the Southern Border.
Anzalduas is the first port built on the Southern Border expected to achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for comprehensive use of sustainable design and technology. Recycled, reused, and locally-available materials were used during construction. In an effort to utilize sustainable sources of power, GSA will ultimately use wind power for the port in the future.
“Thanks to the help of all involved, we were able to make this building a national example of sustainable design and construction along the southern border,” said GSA Regional Administrator J.D. Salinas. “With the first LEED certified port now open, this will be a model for highly efficient, state-of-the art ports for the future.”
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection stands ready to process travelers arriving on December 15 at Anzalduas International Bridge, the newest and most environmentally sustainable port of entry facility thus far built on the Southwest Border," said Leticia Moran, CBP Director, Field Operations, Laredo Field Office. "CBP remains committed to carrying out our border security mission while facilitating lawful travel."
Located on a 26-acre site on the southern border in Texas, the port was designed by Leo A. Daly of Houston, Texas and constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie of Birmingham, Alabama. The facility is the first new Land Port of Entry on the Southern Border in 10 years. Occupants include the Department of Homeland Security/Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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