Sens. Mark Kelly was in southern Arizona Friday morning to mark the groundbreaking of an updated port of entry along the border in Douglas.
He was joined by a host of state and local leaders from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to unveil what will one day be the Douglas Commercial Land Port of Entry — a facility slated for an 80-acre plot just outside the city.
Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva said the project — and another to update the existing port of entry — represents a more than $653 million federal investment.
“This is the single largest investment ever made in Douglas — and perhaps in Cochise County as a whole — I believe this to be a recognition of the importance to Arizona and our nation, our trade with Mexico and the safe and efficient flow of visitors,” he said.
Grijalva said the new construction has been in the works for years and will help relieve border pressure on the existing crossing in downtown Douglas, which currently fields commercial, tourist and passenger traffic.
Kelly said the new crossing would ramp up international trade capacity and border security.
“By expanding commercial inspection capacity and enhancing screening of illicit activities and integrating modern technology, this will stop more illegal drug trafficking,” Kelly said.
The facility is expected to open by 2028.
Sen. Ruben Gallego planned to attend but missed the ceremony due to travel delays.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that Sen. Gallego did not attend the ceremony.
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