Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law will provide $170-$220 million to construct the new Douglas Land Port of Entry
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced a construction contract that will total between $125 and 145 million to develop the new Douglas Commercial Land Port of Entry in Douglas, Arizona.
The contract – awarded by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) – is part of an estimated project budget for the Douglas Land Port of Entry of between $170 and $220 million from the Sinema-led and Kelly-shaped bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic Inflation Reduction Act.
“These investments to construct the Douglas Land Port of Entry and modernize the existing Castro Land Port of Entry are crucial for Arizona’s security and economic prosperity. I’m proud to deliver this win for Douglas and our entire state,” said Sinema.
“For decades, leaders in Douglas, Cochise County, and the State of Arizona have called for the construction of a new, commercial land port of entry in Douglas. Since my first official visit to Arizona’s southern border, modernizing our ports of entry has been a top priority for me. Now, we’re finally getting it done,” said Kelly. “This new commercial port in Douglas will not only increase processing and inspection capacity, strengthening supply chains and facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in trade, but it will also expand the ability to screen for illicit drugs more effectively. This is a win for Arizona’s economy, a meaningful step towards a two-port solution, and a major effort to secure our border.”
In June, the GSA released its Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision to simultaneously construct the new Douglas Commercial Land Port of Entry while expanding and modernizing the existing Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry.
The new Douglas Land Port of Entry – a planned commercial port construction project 4.5 miles west of the existing Land Port of Entry – will significantly increase efficiency and security, improving the flow of commercial and passenger traffic, enhancing border security measures and reducing wait times. The new infrastructure is designed to support the latest technology in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. The upgraded facilities are also expected to bolster economic activity by streamlining trade and travel between the U.S. and Mexico. This project supports local businesses and communities reliant on cross-border commerce.
In February, Sinema met with community members in Douglas, Arizona about the importance of upgrading and modernizing the Raul H. Castro Land Port of Entry in Douglas, which is crucial for Arizona’s security and economic prosperity. The Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law included $216 million to develop a new Douglas Commercial Port of Entry, and $184 million to rehabilitate the existing Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry, to allow Arizona to meet the economic and national security challenges of the 21st century.
Earlier this month, Sinema met with Douglas Mayor Donald Huish to discuss their partnership in delivering real solutions to Douglas and Arizona, including the progress on the two land ports of entry.