WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $25 million TIGER 9 grant award for a major reconfiguration and build out of SR 189 in Nogales, Arizona. With more than 7 million vehicle crossings per year, the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales is one of the biggest in the country and is critical to a successful economic relationship between Mexico and the United States. The improvements will include raised medians, pavement widening, flyover ramps, and new roundabouts. The efforts of Arizona’s Congressional Delegation and local leaders from across Southern Arizona were critical to securing this important funding for the infrastructure improvements. Rep. Grijalva sent multiple letters, including one with the Arizona Delegation, to the Department of Transportation in support of the project.
“This grant will provide much-needed infrastructure repairs to the Mariposa Port of Entry that have been neglected for decades and have cost our economy millions,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “TIGER grants have been a boon to local communities across the nation, and I appreciate the entire Arizona delegation joining me in support of this important funding to safeguard the millions of jobs that depend on the efficiency of our important economic relationship with Mexico. Thanks to the efforts of the delegation and the leaders in Arizona’s Third Congressional District, our communities will continue to thrive.”
“The TIGER Grant is a critical part of the financing package for the full build out for the Modernization of SR-189,” stated Guillermo Valencia, Chairman of the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority. “We are grateful for all the support from Congressman Grijalva, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and all the stakeholders throughout the state that supported this application. This project is essential for the safety for all those that travel on this road.”
“This grant will go a long way towards ensuring the long term growth and development of the County and the entire region,” stated Bruce Bracker, Supervisor with Santa Cruz County. “We look forward to our continued work with the Arizona Department of Transportation on maximizing the return on this investment and we are grateful for the support from Congressman Grijalva and the Arizona congressional delegation on this effort.”
“We’ve been advocating for this important trade corridor for years,” said Jonathan Rothschild, Mayor of Tucson. “I’m very pleased that this grant will facilitate increased trade and tourism with our Mexican partners, helping our regional economy.”
State Route 189 is one of the best examples of Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery in the state of Arizona,” said John F. Doyle, Mayor of the City of Nogales. “I hope this grant brings to fruition the full solution to the SR 189 bottle neck. I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, Senator McCain, Senator Flake, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Congressman Martha McSally, ADOT, SEAGO, Santa Cruz County, City of Nogales officials and staff, GNSCC Port Authority, Fresh Produce Association, Nogales Arizona and Sonora “Maquiladoras” and all other stake holders.”
Despite their proven track record of success, President Trump proposed eliminating TIGER grants in his recent presidential budget, putting the future of important local infrastructure projects at risk for municipalities across the country.