Border Trade Advisory Committee
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Border Trade Advisory Committee

Advisory committees

Overview

The Border Trade Advisory Committee provides a forum for the exchange of communications between the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT, the governor, and committee members representing border trade interests.

Purpose

BTAC was created in 2001 by the 77th Texas Legislature to define and develop a strategy and make recommendations to the commission and the governor for addressing the highest priority border trade transportation challenges. BTAC recommendations are included in border reports that are presented to the presiding officers of the state House and state Senate.

Goals

  • Ensure the participation of port-of-entry stakeholders in TxDOT's transportation processes.
  • Ensure that the Texas-Mexico Border transportation needs are addressed in TxDOT's transportation planning.
  • Provide input into the development of the Border Strategic Transportation Initiatives Plan.
  • Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Texas Border Transportation Master Plan.
  • Advise TxDOT on trade issues, priorities, and projects and funding needs for freight improvements to support the state's economic vitality and global competitiveness.

BTAC meetings

2025

Date Time Location Agenda Transcript Presentation
08/12/25 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

TxDOT Greer Bldg

125 E. 11th Street Austin, TX 78701

 08/12/2025 Agenda 08/12/2025 Transcript 08/12/2025 Presentation

BTAC members

Appointments confirmed by Texas Transportation Commission

Name Organization
Hon. Jane Nelson Office of the Texas Secretary of State
Rafael M. Aldrete Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Hon. Alvaro “Al” Arreola City of Del Rio
Jon Barela Borderplex Alliance
Luis Alfredo Bazán Pharr International Bridge
Eduardo Calvo El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization
Luis M. Diaz Rio Grande Metropolitan Planning Organization
Adriana Cruz Texas Economic Development and Tourism
William Dietrich Port of Brownsville
Nicholas English Meridiem Capital
John Esparza Texas Trucking Association
Raquel Espinosa Union Pacific Railroad
Dante Galeazzi Texas International Produce Association
Susanna L. Gallun Center for Transportation Research, University of Texas at Austin
Teclo J. Garcia Mission Economic Development Corporation
Ruben Garibay Puerto Verde
Cynthia Garza-Reyes Pharr Economic Development Corporation
Jake Giesbrecht Presidio International Port Authority
Maria-Elena Giner International Boundary and Water Commission
Iliana Holguin Guadalupe-Tornillo Bridge
Lisa Loftus-Otway Center for Transportation Research, University of Texas at Austin
Marga Lopez Progreso International Bridge
Commissioner W.C. "Chad" McIntosh International Boundary and Water Commission
Stan Meador Texas Pacifico Transportation
Michael Medina Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization
Daniel Mendoza BNSF Railway
Jason Modglin Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
Kyle Morgan CPKC Railway
Juan Olaguibel McAllen-Hidalgo-Anzalduas International Bridge
Hon. Rolando Salinas City of Eagle Pass
Gerardo “Gerry” Schwebel International Bank of Commerce
Pete Sepulveda Jr. Cameron County Bridge System
Daniel Silva Rio Grande Valley Partnership
Roberto Tinajero El Paso International Bridge System
Hon. Victor Treviño City of Laredo
Hon. Aaron Valdez City of Eagle Pass
Sam Vale Starr-Camargo Bridge Company
Cameron Walker Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization
Vacant Donna Port of Entry
Vacant Rio Grande Valley Partnership

Binational regional steering committee meetings