Cameron County RMA: TxDOT now lead reviewer for Second Causeway environmental clearance; decision expected summer 2026

Pete Zapuluta, executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and county administrator, told the EDC board that the Second Causeway project for South Padre Island is now designated State Highway 104 and that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has become the lead reviewing agency for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Zapuluta said that change makes the project a state-system project, which places responsibility for development, construction, operation and maintenance with TxDOT when the project is operational. He described that as a major change because it shifts funding responsibility for construction to TxDOT. He said local partners have agreed to remain financially involved to maintain a local seat at the table while TxDOT updates the draft EIS and schematic work.

Zapuluta reported TxDOT's environmental division and consultant are updating studies and that the RMA has engaged its own consultant to update schematics and traffic data to coincide with TxDOT's work. He said TxDOT aims to clear the project (issue the record of decision) in the summer of 2026. "We feel extremely confident," Zapuluta said, adding the RMA and county will continue biweekly coordination with TxDOT and consultants.

Zapuluta also described two related components: an I-69 connector between Edinburg and the Harlingen area (also on an EIS track) and an "Outer Parkway" linking I-69E north of Harlingen to the Second Causeway; he said schedules for the three environmental documents are broadly aligned so the projects can be coordinated.

Board members asked about sequencing and where construction might start; Zapuluta said procurement and environmental clearance timing will likely determine the first segment to advance and that his office will notify EDC staff when public involvement begins.