FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2022
Contact: Nick Buenviaje, (619) 302-4687, Nicholas.Buenviaje@dot.ca.gov
Lindsey Hansen, (619) 699-1950, Lindsey.Hansen@sandag.org
Alberto Lozano Merino (619) 308-9907 alozano@sre.gob.mx
U.S., Mexico Convene Binational Summit on Future Otay Mesa East-Mesa de Otay II Port of Entry
SAN DIEGO – Today, more than 50 local, state, and federal representatives from the U.S. and Mexico joined regional stakeholders, including multiple Chambers of Commerce, from both countries for a binational summit highlighting the importance of developing an innovative new border crossing in the region.
The summit, led by the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, focused on how the U.S. and Mexico will continue to work together to build the new land port of entry by meeting ambitious construction milestones, quickly resolving policy issues, and establishing a framework to share toll revenues for project funding.
“This is a truly binational effort and symbol of the enduring importance of our binational relationship. This new Port of Entry will be a boon for both of our countries. It will reduce wait times, increase economic efficiencies, cut emissions, and ensure the Cali-Baja region has the infrastructure it needs to continue its dynamic growth. It is also a model to emulate as our countries become more and more economically integrated” said Ambassador Salazar. “Today more than ever, Mexico is our most important partner.”
California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis moderated the event, which featured high-level participants including U.S. representative for California’s 53rd congressional district Sara Jacobs, U.S. representative for California’s 51st district Juan Vargas, U.S. representative for California’s 52nd congressional district Scott Peters, Caltrans District Director Gustavo Dallarda, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila, City of Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero, Mexican Consul General Gonzalez Gutierrez, Road Development Director General of Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation Rogelio Rivero, and Director General of Border Affairs, from Mexico´s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pablo Gálvez; SANDAG Chair and Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina, among others.
During the summit, leaders discussed progress made on the development of Otay Mesa East on the U.S. side and the Mesa de Otay II on the Mexico side. Participants at the event voiced universal support for the project, which will increase cross border trade, bolster the local economy, increase efficiency and security with cutting edge technology, and decrease wait times and carbon emissions.
“We are proud of the work that agencies from both sides of the border have accomplished towards the completion of the new port of entry. Today’s summit demonstrates our country’s commitment to this project, which will improve smart mobility across our binational region, ensuring shorter border waiting times and quicker transportation of goods and people between our two countries,” said Consul General of Mexico in San Diego Carlos González Gutiérrez. “The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is one of California’s top infrastructure priorities, and the state has invested over $305 million in the project to date,” said Elissa Konove, Acting Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. “I applaud officials from both sides of the border coming together for this productive binational summit to affirm our commitments to open the new port of entry by late 2024.”
Officials also discussed how this major cross-border infrastructure initiative will greatly expand trade capacity along the busiest border region in the Western Hemisphere. It will provide a fast, predictable, and secure crossing with an average wait time goal of 20 minutes. The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is the first of its kind and a model for sustainable freight,” said SANDAG Chair Blakespear. “SANDAG is committed to working with our partners in the U.S. and Mexico to create a truly connected binational region that gets people and goods around faster, safer, and more reliably.”
Private sector representatives from the business, manufacturing, and technology industries shared their perspective on the importance of bringing the project to fruition.
“Increasing border capacity helps to move products quickly and efficiently, leading to a higher volume of items for trade and distribution,” said David Alder, Vice President, Manufacturing and Procurement, Cubic Corporation. “Throughout the pandemic, supply chain issues have resulted in slower deliveries to end customers and consumers. By allowing more drivers to pass through the border, one of the stressors on the supply chain can be alleviated through the addition of Otay Mesa East.”
More information on the Otay Mesa East/Mesa de Otay II Port of Entry
project is available at https://www.keepsandiegomoving.com/SR-11-Corridor/SR11-intro.aspx.
About Caltrans
Caltrans District 11 serves one of the most geographically and culturally diverse areas in the country and includes San Diego and Imperial counties. It spans the entire California-Mexico Border from the Pacific coast to Arizona and reaches north from the international border to Orange and Riverside counties.
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