TUCSON – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) released the following statement as U.S General Services Administration (GSA) announced its selection of Hensel Phelps Construction Co. to provide design-build services for the modernization and expansion project at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry. GSA awarded the initial contract for $228.1 million. Partial funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This additional funding allows the project to be completed in a single construction phase, allowing for quicker, less costly and more efficient delivery.
“Modernizing our aging land ports of entries has been a priority of mine, which is why I specifically fought for inclusion of funds for San Luis I in the infrastructure law,” said Rep. Raúl Grijalva. “I applaud the quick disbursement of these funds which will allow for a single construction phase to create a state-of-the-art port of entry for safer and more efficient processing times. These are the types of congressional actions needed to bring both economic and practical benefits to the borderlands and throughout the state.”
“We are excited to award the first major BIL contract for design-build services to expand and modernize the San Luis I LPOE,” said Dan Brown, Regional Commissioner for the GSA Public Buildings Service in the Pacific Rim Region. “The new expanded facility will vastly improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic circulation, reduce border crossing wait times, all contributing to the regional economy and border security by providing CBP with modern technology so they can complete their mission.”
With the National Environmental Process Act (NEPA) processes complete, the project team will work to complete the final design and begin construction by May 2024.
“Modernizing and expanding the San Luis Land Port of Entry is critical for the safety, security, and economic development of San Luis and Arizona. Our bipartisan infrastructure law provides the investments necessary for this project and I look forward to seeing it through to completion,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
“The San Luis Port of Entry is a key economic engine for Arizona. Thanks to our work to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re one step closer to upgrading and modernizing the San Luis Port of Entry which will allow us to reduce wait times, boost tourism, and ensure Customs and Border Protection can do their jobs safely and effectively. We’ll keep working with the administration to ensure all aspects of this critical project are completed without delay,” said Senator Mark Kelly.
The San Luis I LPOE is a major regional economic engine for the city of San Luis and Yuma County, supporting its agricultural and retail industries. The project expands and modernizes the entire port, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) operations in San Luis. Once complete, northbound privately owned vehicle (POV) processing lanes will increase from 8 to 16 and pedestrian processing lanes from 10 to 14, reducing screening times while increasing visitor and employee safety. Southbound POV improvements include expanded southbound facilities with fixed inspection infrastructure.