Major agreements have been approved for the construction of a new port of entry in Otay Mesa, California, aiming to boost regional trade and enhance border security.
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) approved major agreements on Friday to construct a port of entry in Otay Mesa , moving the project closer to reality. At the meeting, SANDAG's board of directors approved a Federal Project Agreement (FPA) and future Donation Acceptance Agreements between SANDAG, Caltrans, the U.S. General Services Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
SANDAG and Caltrans had been negotiating with these federal agencies for two years. The FPA outlines the roles of each agency involved in the future port of entry's design, construction, commissioning, operation, ownership, management, and future sharing of toll revenue. As a result of the Friday's decision, and a related authorization of $3.5 million to contractors for pre-construction services, work is set to begin at the site this month.'This new port of entry will strengthen California's world-leading economy, create jobs and support regional communities through trade,' said Governor Gavin Newsom. 'At the same time, we're further stepping up border security with a new CalGuard initiative targeting the cash and weapons that fuel cartel violence, complementing our successful efforts to block fentanyl from entering our state. 'California is proving that we can build strong international partnerships with Mexico -- our top trading partner -- to grow our economy and create jobs while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities,' he added. While CalGuard will assist in stopping illegal firearms and contraband from crossing the border, Newsom stated he expects the new port-of-entry facility to expedite the lengthy crossing process, cutting wait times in half at nearby crossings. 'The new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is an example of the strong partnership between the Biden-Harris Administration, the government of Mexico, and the state of California to enhance our international trade and economic vitality, while ensuring our border security,' U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in December. Trade between California and Mexico through land ports of entry was valued at more than $88 billion last year, according to a statement from Newsom's office. However, delays had a significant impact, costing $3.4 billion in economic output and 88,000 jobs.In August, the California Transportation Commission allocated $36,141,000 to Caltrans and SANDAG on state Route 11 for the Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry to construct drainage facilities, perform earthwork and paving, and work on temporary federal and state facilities. According to the agencies, the total cost for the U.S.-side facilities is estimated at $1.3 billion. Once construction begins, a phased-opening approach will be considered with a goal of opening in late 2027.
BORDER SECURITY TRADE ECONOMY CALIFORNIA OTAY MESA
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