TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced a planned trip to Douglas, Arizona on Thursday, February 16. Rep. Grijalva’s trip will include a meeting with Douglas Mayor Donald Huish and a tour of the Raúl H. Castro Port of Entry (POE).
During the visit, Rep. Grijalva will discuss the rollout of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) he helped pass which secured $3.4 billion to fund 26 major construction and modernization projects at land ports of entry including the Raúl H. Castro POE. He will also discuss the recently announced $3.6 million in funding for the Castro POE from the General Services Administration (GSA) as part of the BIL.
“Border communities deserve action not photo opportunities,” said Rep. Grijalva. “My entire Congressional career, I have worked to increase funding for border communities to grow local economies and expand and modernize our ports of entry to upgrade technology and infrastructure for improved drug detection and smoother operations for growing cross-border commerce and tourism. I look forward to having productive conversations with Mayor Huish, local stakeholders and port authorities on ways to continue to support Douglas and the borderlands.”
Rep. Grijalva’s visit was planned prior but coincides with Speaker McCarthy’s trip to the southern border. Rep. Grijalva will be available to media before and after the Douglas visit. Contact his communications director, Jason Johnson at jason.johnson@mail.house.gov for availability.
Background
Rep. Grijalva has a long history of advocacy for Arizona Ports of Entry, including urging $300 million in new funding for Land Ports of Entry in 2010 and helping to secure funding for Mariposa POE upgrades in 2011. He introduced the Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2013 to provide funds to modernize and expand border infrastructure. In 2015, he passed legislation renaming the Douglas Port of Entry the Raúl H. Castro Port of Entry. Rep. Grijalva has worked annually through the appropriations process to lead efforts to increase funds towards modernization and construction of Land Ports of Entry around the country.