Nogales officials ask Arizona committee for letters of support to modernize DeConcini port of entry
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Summary
Local leaders told a state committee the DeConcini port of entry is outdated, prone to monsoon flooding and long waits that harm Nogales businesses; presenters asked the committee for letters backing a federal modernization project estimated at $1.5–$2 billion.
Joshua Rubin, chairman of the Greater O'Galos Santa Cruz County Port Authority, told the committee the DeConcini port of entry in Nogales urgently needs modernization to address flooding, safety and long vehicle and pedestrian wait times that harm downtown merchants and regional retail sectors. “It is essential to our downtown merchants,” Rubin said, describing infrastructure that he said “no longer meets its mission requirements.”
Supervisor John Fanning, Santa Cruz County District 3, framed the project as a safety priority; he said officers and administrative staff are exposed to standing floodwater during monsoons and heavy traffic. “Whether you’re talking about the men and women in blue… vulnerable, with any type of traffic issues,” Fanning said, arguing that modernization would reduce those risks.
Nogales Mayor Jorge Madamela said long lines — sometimes two to three hours for pedestrians — reduce local revenue, threaten cross‑border employment and make students’ commutes difficult. He urged 24‑hour operations and more dedicated lanes to restore economic activity.
Presenters showed footage and images of a sewer manhole and an international interceptor that can overflow into Nogales, creating occasional port shutdowns. Rubin said the federal government would be responsible for the port footprint and estimated the likely federal cost at “1.5 to $2,000,000,000,” and said GSA has begun NEPA work after a feasibility study funded with help from Sen. Mark Kelly. Rubin asked the committee to send letters of support to members of Congress and federal agencies, including GSA, CBP and DHS, to press for timely action.
Committee members agreed to prepare letters and to follow up. Chair indicated she or Representative Consuelo Hernandez would draft a letter for circulation to members and potential co‑signers by the end of next week.
Next steps: presenters said NEPA will determine the project footprint and impacts; local leaders plan to press federal partners in Washington, D.C., with state letters of support.