New Arizona Land Port to Boost Trade, Jobs, Sustainability

The US General Services Administration (GSA) and the government of Douglas, Arizona, have celebrated the transfer of a 32.37ha parcel to construct a new commercial Land Port of Entry. The facility, set to reshape trade and security along the US-Mexico border, marks a major step toward modernizing border infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic demands and foster economic growth.

“As we celebrate the generous donation of land to the GSA for the construction of our new port of entry, we are not just investing in infrastructure; we are investing in our community’s future. This project will enhance trade, border security, create jobs, and strengthen our connections countywide, statewide and nationally. Together we are building a brighter tomorrow for all our residents,” says Douglas Mayor Donald Huish.

According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, Mexico is Arizona’s top trading partner, with US$11.8 billion in imports and US$8.0 billion in exports in 2023, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. This marks a 4.7% increase from 2018 to 2023. Top exports to Mexico include US$1.5 billion in metal ores, US$1.1 billion in semiconductor and electronic components, and US$660 million in electrical equipment and components (NESOI). Key imports from Mexico include US$1.8 billion in vegetables and melons, US$1.0 billion in electrical equipment and components (NESOI), and US$894 million in mushrooms, nursery, and related products. The region has seen a 30.7% increase in imports from 2018 to 2023.

The existing Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry has long served as the sole crossing point for commercial and non-commercial traffic between Douglas and Agua Prieta, Sonora. Increasing traffic has outpaced the port’s capacity, say authorities, creating inefficiencies and safety challenges. To address this, a two-port solution was developed, combining the construction of the new commercial port with the modernization and expansion of the Castro port.

This dual approach was made possible by US$180.3 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and US$92.2 million from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The new Douglas Land Port of Entry will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including four commercial vehicle inspection lanes and 36 inspection docks — significantly increasing capacity from the Castro port’s single lane and 12 docks. Designed for sustainability, the facility will incorporate renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaic solar panels and all-electric systems, aligning with federal goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

The project is expected to serve as an economic catalyst, attracting public and private investments in industrial facilities and enhancing utility infrastructure throughout Cochise County. Regional leaders say that the project has the potential to stimulate growth, improve border efficiency, and strengthen the economic ties between the United States and Mexico.

The port project is already contemplating additional investments with the construction of a new utility corridor along State Route 80, a new industrial warehouse and business park zone, the installation of broadband internet infrastructure.

“For years, local leaders have worked tirelessly to make this critical commercial Land Port of Entry a reality. I am proud to have delivered the funding to make it happen. This new port will boost trade, create jobs, and enhance border security with modern technology — a major step forward for Douglas and Arizona’s economy,” says Mark Kelly, Arizona Senator.

“This project underscores GSA’s commitment to designing, building and maintaining state-of-the-art, sustainable facilities that serve our communities and support our nation’s goals for stronger, more climate-resilient infrastructure,” says Sukhee Kang, Regional Administrator, GSA’s Pacific Rim Region.

In November 2024, Stantec was announced as the lead design firm for this project. The firm will collaborate with Hensel Phelps Construction, which was awarded a US$275 million design-build contract in October 2024 to deliver a state-of-the-art facility tailored to 21st-century cross-border needs. In partnership with Jones Studio, it is slated to begin construction in fall 2025, with completion expected by 2028.