San Diego Reps. Vargas, Davis and Peters Fight for San Ysidro Port of Entry Project Funding

Washington, DC (December 17, 2013) – Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) was joined by Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging that the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Renovation and Expansion Project be funded at the President’s FY 2014 Budget level.  This money would allow Phase II and Phase III of the project to begin moving forward.

“The San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Expansion Project is critical to stimulating our region’s economy,” stated Rep. Vargas.  “The current, outdated port of entry creates delays that result in staggering losses of jobs and revenue.  We must invest in infrastructure that will not only spark economic activity, but also create jobs and increase border efficiency.”

In a 2007 study, the San Diego Association of Governments estimated that delays due to border wait times cost our cross-border economies $7.2 billion in lost gross output and more than 62,000 jobs.

"My colleagues and I who represent border districts know how vital this project is to our economy," said Rep. Davis.  "Delays at the border cost our districts billions of dollars in lost output and tens of thousands of jobs. I hope my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee will recognize the importance of modernizing the San Ysidro Port of Entry and give this project the funding it needs."

“Completing the San Ysidro Port of Entry Expansion continues to be a top economic priority for me and for our region,” Rep. Peters said. “I am proud to work with my San Diego colleagues and the local community to promote this necessary project. Finishing this expansion would increase efficiency and security at the world’s busiest land port while boosting economic growth.”

The San Ysidro Land Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land port, serves more than 50,000 vehicles and approximately 25,000 pedestrian crossings every day.  In 2011, the United States and Mexico agreed to modernize and expand the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry.  Mexico completed their side of the construction and opened the new El Chaparral border station on October 31, 2012.  However, due to cuts in infrastructure funding, the U.S. has not yet been able to complete its side of the construction.

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