WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, and Representative Harry Teague, today announced that the Santa Teresa Port of Entry will receive $10 million to make infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Improvements to the Santa Teresa Port of Entry will help increase trade and foster economic growth in our state. The funding awarded today is an investment in the area's economic development," said Bingaman, who met with Border Patrol and National Guard troops in Las Cruces last week.
"This investment is key to the continuing development of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry," said Udall. "The upgrades provided by this Recovery Act funding will strengthen border security by helping the Port manage growth, improve efficiency and increase safety along the border crossing."
"Border trade and travel is an essential part of southern New Mexico's economy. The improvements at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry will have long term economic benefits locally and nationally and the jobs that will be created are much needed in this region," Teague said.
Improvements at the port of entry include the following projects:
- Expand passenger vehicles lanes from 2 to 5 lanes;
- New pre-primary inspection canopy;
- Expand pedestrian inspection areas;
- Expand commercial inspection lanes from 2 to 3 lanes;
- Expand passenger and commercial vehicle queuing;
- Construct pedestrian sidewalk;
- Install additional high mast lighting;
- Install additional cameras and non intrusive inspection equipment;
- Install energy efficient HVAC systems;
- Provide erosion control (blowing sand) sand fence;
- Improve air quality under canopies;
- Provide xeriscape landscaping.
