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Cochise supervisors press for coordinated plan around James Ranch Road, port expansion
Summary
Supervisors directed staff to develop a coordinated economic-development and land-use work session focusing on the James Ranch Road/Highway 191 corridor, ADOT construction timelines and a possible reconstituted port authority for Douglas and the region.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 11 discussed planning and funding for infrastructure and economic development around the James Ranch Road/Highway 191 port-of-entry area, and asked staff to prepare a focused work session on land use, zoning and port governance.
Board members said they want a strategic approach to rezoning, roadway design and port governance as private interest and federal activity around the port accelerate. Supervisors asked staff to map existing zoning and show where commercial, industrial and residential designations currently sit along the 191 corridor and near the proposed port entry so the board can consider coordinated rezoning and an economic-development plan.
County staff described an ongoing ADOT design process for the James Ranch Road corridor. ADOT will deliver 60% construction plans within a week, with final design expected in March. Construction was discussed as likely to begin in December 2026 or January 2027 for the initial phases; earlier cost estimates for a four-lane build placed the project near $48,000,000, and ADOT has applied for $20,000,000 in congressional discretionary funds. Staff said updated cost estimates will be available with the 60% plans.
Supervisors discussed how future development would be expected to fund additional lanes: the county’s immediate effort is to secure right-of-way and complete design so that ADOT can advertise the project. Board members repeatedly framed the road work as a necessary step to match port infrastructure — lanes and inspection facilities — with federal and GSA plans for port inspections and access roads.
The board also examined the idea of re-establishing or creating a regional port authority for Douglas and neighboring jurisdictions to provide governance and stakeholder oversight of cross-border trade. Staff said port authorities in other counties have been used primarily as stakeholder boards to coordinate facilities, secure federal and state grants, and advocate for port improvements; board members flagged the need to clarify any such authority’s powers (for example, whether it could issue bonds or levy assessments) before moving forward.
Supervisors asked staff to consult with Yuma and Nogales port authority models and to prepare a work session that would include stakeholders from Douglas, the state, local cities and potential private-sector partners. The board directed county staff to bring back: (1) a map of current zoning and recommended rezoning areas tied to James Ranch Road and the 191 corridor; (2) ADOT’s current plans and updated cost estimate when available; and (3) draft bylaws or examples for a port authority, including a clear statement of any taxing or bonding authority.
The board scheduled discussion of economic development and port issues for an upcoming work session and said it will coordinate with regional partners and state representatives as planning progresses.
Ending: Supervisors said they expect the focused work session to clarify priorities before the county considers rezoning or formation of an authority, and to provide guidance on what to request from ADOT, the state and federal partners.
