By U.S. General Services Administration
The Biden Administration and the U.S. General Services Administration have announced major land port modernization and construction projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law includes $3.4B for GSA to build and modernize land ports of entry on the country’s northern and southern borders.
The investments will improve commerce and trade, create construction jobs and incorporate new sustainability features.
Billions of dollars in goods and services pass through U.S. land ports every day. Commercial capacity at many land ports is limited by outdated infrastructure, resulting in long lines and wait times for commercial traffic. Most of the 26 major modernization projects that will be funded through the law have elements that will enhance commercial processing capabilities.
These projects will also support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The $3.4B in direct spending by GSA is estimated to support, on average, nearly 6,000 annual jobs over the next eight years and add $3.23B in total labor income across the United States.
Arizona port modernization projects that will move forward under the plan include (estimates subject to change):
- More than $200M for a new commercial port in Douglas, Arizona to better facilitate the crossing of commercial goods, produce, and equipment as well as to act as a regional economic engine.
- More than $115M to complete the modernization of the San Luis I Land Port of Entry in San Luis, Arizona, an important port for the U.S. food industry and related supply chains. (Source)
