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One major rail project is among three transportation projects the U.S. Department of Transportation is prioritizing and accelerating to ease congestion at the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico.

The projects will receive priority access to discretionary programs, including innovative financing, the USDOT said. In addition, the projects will explore public-private partnerships for funding.

The rail project — known as the East Loop Bypass Project in Laredo, Texas — calls for building a rail bridge across the border and a rail bypass around the city.

"Congestion at our borders is choking both travelers and commerce with excessive wait times and negatively impacting air quality," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in a prepared statement. "By prioritizing the projects, we can improve the movement of people and goods across our borders."