NEW YORK: U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to install a new surveillance system near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
The Pharr City Commission approved an agreement with Customs and Border Protection without discussion on July 21.
After an environmental survey, Customs and Border Protection will build a concrete pad and install the surveillance system southwest of the international bridge near Doffin Canal Road.
“Basically, they want to make sure they have eyes on the bridge as well,” said bridge Director of Operations Fred Brouwen.
City cameras already watch the bridge, Brouwen said. Adding new surveillance equipment will provide another layer of security.
Customs and Border Protection acquired the surveillance system from the U.S. Department of Defense, said Supervisory Agent Omar Zamora, a spokesman for the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector.
“We are repurposing it instead of going out and purchasing new equipment,” Zamora said.
