
The project will expand the current border crossing facilities to safely and efficiently accommodate increases in car, commercial and pedestrian traffic — improving security, encouraging trade and creating jobs in Southern New Mexico.
The funding will also be used to address significant storm water drainage issues at the port.
The current Columbus Port of Entry was built in 1989 to screen visitors entering the United States, but the existing facility provides less than a third of the space U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs for current and future traffic.
Construction plans include a new main building, commercial and noncommercial inspection facilities, additional pedestrian processing, export facilities, a hazardous materials containment area, increased parking capacity and more.
The new funding was included in the “omnibus” appropriations bill to fund the government, which was signed into law last week.