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.
