Why this matters
The expanded port of entry could reduce wait times and transform the region.
The San Diego Association of Governments says it has secured $150 million in federal funding for the new border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana.
The funds will go toward construction of the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, which will become the third crossing near San Diego, and make up one of the first grants the project has received from Trump’s second administration, according to SANDAG.
Officials say the new crossing will generate billions of dollars in toll funds and will improve mobility across the border.
SANDAG expects construction to begin this fall with the plan of opening late 2027. Construction on the Mexican side of the border is almost complete.
The funds come at a time when many federal grants have been suspended or in question nationwide.
In a press release, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed the Biden administration for a “lack of focus” that delayed the project.
The grant will enhance border security infrastructure and help prevent trafficking while “preventing tax dollars subsidizing pointless Green New Deal priorities,” Duffy said.
According to the federal press release, the deal removes climate-related requirements under consideration by the Biden administration and does not include a zero-emission vehicle charging station.
A press release from SANDAG and Caltrans links to the federal announcement, but inewsource is awaiting a response from SANDAG regarding the cuts.
State officials are celebrating the agreement.
“I want to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation’s leadership and staff for their close collaboration in reaching this essential agreement,” said Toks Omishakin, the secretary of California’s transportation agency.
“As a longtime champion of this project, I am glad to see all parties come together to finalize this critical agreement to create a new port of entry facility for the Otay Mesa border region,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.
Officials say the new port of entry will improve border wait times. The project will include a new four-lane toll road and a commercial vehicle inspection facility.
In 2024 alone, roughly $82 billion in imports and exports moved across the California-Baja California border.
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
