Gypsy Jan - 10-15-2012 at 07:08 PM
From The San Diego Union Tribune
By Denise Moreno Ducheny
"However, our border-crossing infrastructure must keep up with this changing economy if we are to realize our full growth potential. Every hour that
goods and workers must wait to cross our border costs millions of dollars.
Although technological improvements have aided commercial crossings in the last few years, locally we have not seen an expansion of capacity during
the last 20 years. While plans to expand the current Otay Mesa crossing exist, and the land to do so has been acquired, design and construction remain
unfunded. We are still waiting for the federal appropriation needed to complete the fully-approved and designed expansion of the San Ysidro Port of
Entry, even though Mexico's portion will be completed this fall. Frustrated by the federal government's lack of commitment, SANDAG is pushing ahead
with plans for a second Otay Mesa crossing to be funded with toll revenue.
Today, the U.S. does $1 billion in trade with Mexico, supporting 6 million U.S. jobs. How much more could it be if we had a truly efficient
21st-century border? As new presidential terms commence in both nations, residents of the 10 border states need to speak up with a united and forceful
voice. It should be a top national priority to invest in the infrastructure needed to unleash the full potential of this powerful cross-border
economic engine."
Ducheny, a former state senator, is senior analyst, Trans-Border Institute, University of San Diego.