U.S. General Services Administration
GSA, City of Douglas celebrate transfer of 80-acre site for construction of new commercial land port of entry in Douglas, Arizona
Commercial port, funded by the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will relieve traffic and spur regional economic growth
DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the city of Douglas celebrated the transfer of an 80-acre parcel, to accommodate GSA’s plans to build the brand new commercial Land Port of Entry, along the U.S.-Mexico border in southeastern Arizona. The city of Douglas hosted the land donation acceptance signing ceremony at the site of the future port bringing this project one step closer to fruition. The event, held at the future construction site five miles west of the existing Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry, attracted approximately 130 attendees, including local officials, community leaders, regional stakeholders, federal representatives and binational members of the news media.
Douglas Mayor Donald Huish presided over the ceremony, which featured remarks from Cochise County Supervisor Ann English, Agua Prieta Municipal President Jose Manuel Quijada Lamadrid, GSA Pacific Rim Regional Administrator Sukhee Kang, GSA Pacific Rim Regional Public Buildings Service Commissioner, Dan Brown, U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection Douglas Area Port Director Martin Gomez, State Director from Senator Mark Kelly’s Office, Luis Heredia, Southern Arizona Director from Senator Krysten Sinema’s Office, Joseph Haro, Southern Arizona Director from Representative Grijalva’s Office, Ruben Reyes, and representing the Arizona Governor’s Office, Marisol Flores-Aguirre, Director for the Southern Arizona Office. Collectively, the speakers underscored the new commercial port’s impact on growing the State and regional economy, strengthening the national supply chain, bolstering national security, maximizing sustainability, and facilitating binational trade and commerce. The ceremony culminated with the ceremonial signing and presentation of the property to GSA.
Built in 1933, and expanded in 1993, the Castro port has served as the sole border crossing for commercial and non-commercial vehicles as well as pedestrian traffic between Douglas and Agua Prieta, Mexico. Over time, cross-border traffic has steadily increased, and the existing port can no longer accommodate traffic demands. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act for the new commercial Douglas Land Port of Entry construction project, as well as the modernization and expansion project at the Castro port, will provide improvements to better meet the traveling public’s needs. The federal government collaborated with the city of Douglas to develop a two-port solution that enhances the federal government’s ability to complete its inspection mission requirements while supporting the city’s urban and economic development goals.
“As we celebrate the generous donation of land to the U.S. General Services Administration for the construction of our new port of entry, we are not just investing in infrastructure; we are investing in our community’s future,” said Mayor Donald Huish. “This project will enhance trade, border security, create jobs, and strengthen our connections countywide, statewide and nationally. Together we are building a brighter tomorrow for all our residents.”
“Today marks an exciting day for GSA and our regional partners.” explained Sukhee Kang, Regional Administrator for GSA Pacific Rim Region. “With the construction of this new, energy-efficient commercial port of entry, GSA’s is not only expanding and enhancing border efficiency and security infrastructure, but also setting the stage for economic growth and expanded opportunities for trade and commerce. This project underscores GSA’s commitment to designing, building and maintaining state-of-the-art, sustainable facilities that serve our communities and support our nation’s goals for stronger, more climate-resilient infrastructure.”
“This day marks an exciting start for the City of Douglas, CBP, and the trade community. The new commercial facility will allow us to process commodities in an efficient and timely manner while ensuring safety and security,” said CBP Area Port Director Martin Gomez. “We are determined to continue our support of the economic development by encouraging increased traffic volume through our future port. I, on behalf of CBP, would like to thank the City of Douglas and the community for choosing to make such a valuable investment in the future.”
“Constructing the new Douglas Land Port of Entry is crucial for Arizona’s security and economic prosperity. Today’s land donation, in combination with full funding from my bipartisan infrastructure law, is an example of our continued work with Arizona communities like Douglas to deliver real solutions for our entire state,” said Arizona Senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
“For years, local leaders have worked tirelessly to make this critical commercial Land Port of Entry a reality. I’m proud to have delivered the funding to make it happen,” said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. “This new port will boost trade, create jobs, and enhance border security with modern technology—a major step forward for Douglas and Arizona’s economy.”
“I applaud the early efforts to initiate this long awaited and necessary project. This land donation of 80 acres by the City of Douglas to the General Services Administration for the new port of entry is a vital first step in securing its completion. Ports of Entry are a very necessary component in the economic well-being and safety measures for the state of Arizona. I look forward to working with the city of Douglas and the GSA to ensure its proper and timely completion,” stated Congressman Raul M. Grijalva.
“As the former Vice-Chair of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, and now a member of Congress representing a border-district, I understand first hand the importance of fostering trade and commerce between Arizona and Mexico while enhancing security,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani, “The construction of a new port of entry in Douglas, Arizona will enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ ability to inspect commercial vehicles and process goods, making commerce more efficient and spurring economic growth in the region. I am glad to see federal and local partners working to make this project a reality!”
The new commercial port will have an important role as a magnet for State and regional economic activity. The city seeks to spur public and private investments to construct new industrial facilities around the port that will support the growth of commercial traffic in the region. Additionally, the construction of the new Douglas Land Port of Entry is designed to accelerate the installation of high speed internet and other utilities throughout Cochise County. Combined with a modernized and expanded Castro port, the investment in local infrastructure aims to transform the city of Douglas into a 21st century regional commercial transportation hub and tourist gateway.
Earlier this year, GSA awarded a $275 million design-build contract to the Hensel Phelps Construction, Co. The commercial land port of entry project is being designed in partnership with Jones Studio and is scheduled to break ground in Fall 2025 and reach substantial completion three years later in Fall 2028.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a total of $3.4 billion for GSA to build and modernize land ports of entry on the country’s northern and southern borders. The investments will improve commerce and trade, create good-paying construction jobs, and incorporate new and innovative sustainability features.
The Inflation Reduction Act includes $3.4 billion for GSA to build, modernize and maintain more sustainable and cost-efficient high-performance facilities that utilize low-embodied carbon materials. GSA’s Inflation Reduction Act projects will implement new technologies and accelerate GSA’s efforts in achieving a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045. Through these investments, GSA estimates that it will reduce operational carbon emissions by 2.3 million metric tons, the same amount that 500,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles produce each year.
For more information on the project, visit www.gsa.gov/Douglas or join the conversation on social media.
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About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing about $100 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
About the City of Douglas: The vibrant border city in southeastern Cochise County, blends historic charm with modern growth. Founded in 1901 with roots in mining and ranching, landmarks like the Gadsden Hotel showcase its rich history. Its location near the U.S.-Mexico border fosters cultural and economic exchange. With investments in a commercial port of entry, infrastructure, and downtown revitalization, Douglas is becoming a regional hub for commerce and innovation, offering unmatched outdoor recreation and a promising future for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Christi Chidester Votisek
Public Affairs Officer
415-816-8512