Kelly, Gallego, Mayor Grijalva Celebrate Groundbreaking of Douglas Land Port of Entry
Kelly played a key role in securing funding for construction of the new port through his negotiation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and support for the Inflation Reduction Act, which brought $328 million for the project
Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Mayor Jose Grijalva, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Douglas Land Port of Entry. This project is now a reality thanks to federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, in addition to years of collaboration between local, state, and federal officials.
“For decades, leaders in Douglas, Cochise County, and Arizona have called for a new commercial land port of entry in Douglas, and it has been a top priority for me in Congress,” said Senator Kelly. “This groundbreaking is the result of local, state, and federal collaboration and a win for Arizona’s economy. The port will help secure our border, open doors for new businesses, and facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars in trade.”
“Today’s groundbreaking is proof that smart federal investments pay off. Modernizing our ports of entry doesn’t just improve security and efficiency – it creates jobs, expands trade, and fuels our economy. The Douglas Port of Entry is already the second-largest commercial port in Arizona and a vital engine for our state’s prosperity. That’s why I was proud to help secure this funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill – by continuing to invest in border infrastructure, we’re strengthening communities across the state and setting the stage for long-term growth,” said Senator Gallego.
“This groundbreaking marks a new chapter for Douglas,” said Mayor Grijalva. “The new Land Port of Entry will modernize our border infrastructure, boost regional trade, and create lasting economic opportunities for our community. We’re investing in Douglas’s future as a premier gateway between the United States and Mexico.”
Background:
A priority of Kelly since he became a senator, Kelly first visited the port in 2021 with former Douglas Mayor Huish. As part of the group of 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats who negotiated the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, Kelly secured funding for the construction of this new commercial port. It also received additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022.
Kelly continued visiting the region and getting progress updates from the General Services Administration (GSA). He also held oversight hearings as a senior member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Last year, he announced the construction contract to develop the port awarded by GSA. This year, Kelly and Gallego called on President Trump to expedite completion and maintain full funding for land ports of entry in Arizona, including the construction of this new port.
Along with the renovation of the Raul H. Castro Port of Entry in downtown Douglas, the new port will facilitate trade between the United States and Mexico, significantly reduce wait times for travelers and cargo, and improve security systems to keep the country safe.
