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Port Authority briefs Board on trade, DeConcini, congressional request and regional outreach
Summary
Port Authority staff summarized visits by federal leaders, a $49.9 million congressional funding request for I‑19 interchange modernization, downtown revitalization work with EPA, and continued involvement on trade, tariffs and cross‑border infrastructure.
The Port Authority provided a detailed update to the Board of Supervisors on May 6 about ongoing trade, infrastructure and cross‑border initiatives.
Port Authority staff said they have hosted several federal and state officials this year, including a visit by Congressman Juan Ciscomani and a delegation of freshman members of Congress, Governor Katie Hobbs and Senator Mark Kelly, to highlight border trade, infrastructure, CBP staffing and supply‑chain issues. Staff also described outreach to the National Defense University and Valley Leadership groups and media engagement, including international coverage.
Among active projects, the Port Authority reported submitting a congressional direct funding request for $49,900,000 to modernize I‑19 interchanges at Rio Rico Drive and Ruby Road. Staff said they are exploring a pre‑feasibility study for a multimodal truck/rail facility in Rio Rico with Stantec Engineering and continue participation in UniSource’s Santa Cruz County North electric reliability project.
Staff said they support the CBP Best Act (a border enforcement and trade facilitation bill referenced in the presentation) and are monitoring USMCA and tariff developments. They also noted invitations to participate in the Arizona‑Canada dialogue and upcoming briefings to Arizona’s congressional delegation and a binational bridges meeting in Mexico City; staff asked whether county representatives will attend the June meeting in Mexico City.
Supervisors thanked Port Authority staff for outreach and said coordinated contact with federal leaders helps the county advance local infrastructure priorities. No formal board action was taken on the report.
