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Greater Nogales Port Authority highlights DeConcini modernization, downtown revitalization and trade growth
Summary
The Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority told the council it recorded another year of activity, pushed DeConcini Port of Entry modernization planning and said freight and import figures continue to rise; the authority seeks continued municipal support for studies and feasibility work.
The Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority presented its annual update to the Nogales City Council, highlighting long-running efforts to modernize the DeConcini Port of Entry, downtown revitalization planning and year-over-year trade growth.
Josh Rubin, the port authoritychairman, told the council the authority will celebrate its 20th anniversary and has maintained nonpartisan outreach to regional leaders, federal agencies and international delegations. "We remain committed in advocating for initiatives that improve our port of entry systems and enhance the quality of life for our residents," Rubin said.
Rubin cited the Mariposa (Mariposa/Mariposa) and DeConcini ports and infrastructure investments that have supported a recent record year for northbound truck crossings and large import values. He said the port authority obtained a congressional appropriation for a DeConcini feasibility study and expects the conceptual study to be completed soon; long-term modernization of the port could cost between $1 billion and $2 billion, Rubin said.
The authority also briefed the council on its downtown revitalization workshop and a community survey that showed residents want more retail, family activities and reduced border-wait times. Rubin said the authority has engaged the General Services Administration and Customs and Border Protection on planning and is coordinating with the Environmental Protection Agency and consultants on the downtown study.
Council members thanked the port authority for recent delegation briefings in Washington, D.C., and for hosting federal and international visitors. Councilwoman Montiel suggested the city and port authority explore regular coordination on economic-development strategies and asked whether the authority's outreach could help recruit private investment and new businesses to Nogales.
Rubin replied the authority is open to partnership and noted it is working on broadband-, electric-grid- and cold-chain improvements that could support trade and local business growth. "Our party is Nogales, and our party is Santa Cruz County," he said.
No council action was required; the presentation concluded with a request that the city continue its financial and logistical support for port-authority activities and for the upcoming feasibility results on DeConcini modernization.
