Port operations staff briefed the advisory committee on a range of operational and technology initiatives intended to improve traffic flow and customer service at World Trade Bridge and other port facilities. Key points included planning for future bridge‑expansion features, technology pilots, signage and an online permit-application overhaul.

Staff and committee members discussed planning the bridge expansion to build future lanes and infrastructure at once (including two lanes prepped for future use), rather than staging work that would require rework later. Committee members recommended adding features during main construction to avoid repeated disruptions. Members also discussed a proposed elevated control tower to provide 360‑degree oversight of a 30‑acre operation and to improve security and flow monitoring.

The committee discussed technology pilots being used for time studies (RFID transponders) and QR codes; staff noted ongoing talks about newer technology for inspection and screening, including advanced x‑ray systems tied to artificial‑intelligence tools. Staff cautioned that technology obsolescence is a concern and emphasized staging upgrades where possible.

On signage and data, staff reported they expect to receive empty‑lane signs in July and that staff are working with TxDOT on gantry/approach signage; the committee was told a border wait‑time measurement agreement with TxDOT had been approved by legal for presentation to council, with a resolution planned for a July council meeting.

The committee also received a staff report on the bridge account application and recurring‑payment problems. Staff said the application is a 15‑year‑old manual process and that customers can currently remove stored credit cards, causing payment returns and administrative burden. Staff is coordinating with IT to build an online bilingual application that would include clearer authorization language and remove the customer's ability to self‑remove auto replenishment. Staff provided account statistics: total accounts were 7,485 with an auto‑replenish subset and a commercial subset; staff said they collect about $18,000 monthly through the permit system (roughly $16,000 from World Trade and $2,000 from Columbia) and that monies flow into the fund balance for projects such as facility renovation. Staff said Bridge 2 renovation planning is underway and funding for specific projects has been allocated; architects are preparing assessments for renovation projects.