The recently passed $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill contains billions for improvement to U.S. land ports, including more than $500 million destined for Arizona ports along the border with Mexico.
About $400 million will go toward what’s known as the “two-port solution” in Douglas, where officials have been lobbying for more than a decade for a second port of entry.
"This will change Douglas, I don't know how else to put it," Mayor Donald Huish said of the allocated funds.
He said port improvements will boost the city’s economy and make it a destination for binational commercial traffic.
The infrastructure package includes more than $200 million for the construction of a new commercial port just west of Douglas. Huish said efforts are already underway for the port to be operational within 48 to 60 months.
Another $184 million will go toward renovating the existing Raul H. Castro Port of Entry.
And nearly $150 million was allocated for renovations at the San Luis Port of Entry.
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill Monday.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.