Tucson, Ariz.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, will hold a major press conference August 18, in Nogales, Ariz. to announce the impending introduction of the Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2011, a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen cross-border trade, modernize and expand border transportation and commercial infrastructure, adequately staff ports of entry, invest in innovation and research, and revitalize small business activity. Because food and other goods sold all over the country pass through Southern Arizona ports of entry, Grijalva’s plan has the potential to open economic opportunities nationwide.

The plan he will announce – set to become a bill when Congress goes back into session in September – aims not only to confront the serious regional and national jobs crisis, but to put international trade on a sounder long-term infrastructure footing. The Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act seeks to make cross-border trade more viable by reducing traffic bottlenecks, ensuring adequate port of entry manpower, and addressing other serious logistical challenges that have hurt American job growth.

In addition, Grijalva’s plan calls for increased innovative research funding to spur technical advancements beneficial to small businesses, among other initiatives. More details will be released at the press conference, which will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Del Campo Supreme, 672 W. Frontage Road.