Arizona's commitment to enhancing border infrastructure and economic growth was showcased with the groundbreaking of the new Douglas Land Port of Entry, a project made possible by federal dollars and collaborative efforts at multiple governmental levels. In a celebration that marked the onset of construction, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly joined Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva to honor the collaborative work that led to this moment, citing the extensive support from both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which Senator Gallego backed, as reported by Gallego's Senate Office.
Senator Gallego highlighted the importance of the new port, stating, "Today’s groundbreaking is proof that smart federal investments pay off. Modernizing our ports of entry doesn't just improve security and efficiency – it creates jobs, expands trade, and fuels our economy," and with the Douglas Port of Entry being the second-largest commercial port in Arizona and a vital engine for the state’s prosperity, helped "secure this funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill – by continuing to invest in border infrastructure, we’re strengthening communities across the state and setting the stage for long-term growth," Gallego emphasized, in as statement made by the Senator's Office.
Senator Kelly underscored the port's anticipated contributions to both state and national interests, "For decades, leaders in Douglas, Cochise County, and Arizona have called for a new commercial land port of entry in Douglas, and it has been a top priority for me in Congress," he noted in statements detailing the extensive history of advocacy behind the project's inception, and adding, "This groundbreaking is the result of local, state, and federal collaboration and a win for Arizona’s economy. The port will help secure our border, open doors for new businesses, and facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars in trade," as told to Gallego's Senate Office.
