BILL NUMBER: SJR 16	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Vargas

                        FEBRUARY 9, 2012

   Relative to the Calexico West Port of Entry.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 16, as introduced, Vargas. Calexico West Port of Entry.
   This measure would state that the Legislature declares its support
for a private-public partnership to renovate and expand the Calexico
West Port of Entry. This measure would also urge Congress to enact
guiding legislation to authorize private-public partnerships such as
the one proposed for the expansion of the Calexico West Port of
Entry.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, The Calexico West Port of Entry is located in downtown
Calexico and currently consists of approximately 102,040 square feet
of improvements; and
   WHEREAS, Federal agencies have considered the need to renovate and
expand this facility for many years, having evaluated and planned to
move portions of the border entry process approximately three blocks
west and expand its operation for pedestrians, automobiles, and, to
a lesser extent, some commercial vehicles; and
   WHEREAS, Planning began in 2005, and millions of dollars have been
spent planning the new facility. However, due to the current fiscal
situation facing the federal government, as well as local governments
nationwide and especially in California, public financing sources
are difficult to identify, and it appears that the financing and
construction of this much-needed project may be delayed, not only
this year, but perhaps for many years; and
   WHEREAS, The delay in the construction creates national security
issues and long waiting times for travelers both entering and exiting
the United States to and from Mexico. The long waiting times cause
health and safety concerns for all travelers, especially during the
extreme heat of summer. The delay also exacerbates environmental
issues and economic inefficiencies from the use of the existing
facility, which is decades old. It is estimated that the costs of the
inefficiencies are well in excess of $500,000,000 per year to the
region; and
   WHEREAS, Imperial County and the region have extremely high levels
of unemployment, estimated to be at least 25 percent. These
communities are still affected by the losses caused by the 2010
Easter earthquake. The renovation project is estimated to cost
$320,000,000 and take 24 months to complete. The project will create
approximately 6,000 jobs, mostly from regional sources; and
   WHEREAS, Many federal agencies, including those within the
umbrella of the United States Department of Homeland Security, have
procured infrastructure and other capital improvements through the
utilization of private capital markets for financing and construction
activities. Discussions are currently being held to potentially
formulate a proposal of a joint venture with private parties to
finance, construct, and lease the proposed renovation and expansion
of the Calexico West Port of Entry. The arrangements are contingent
upon Congress providing guiding legislation to implement the plan;
and
   WHEREAS, A private-public partnership is necessary to renovate and
expand the Calexico West Port of Entry in a more timely manner,
create jobs in Imperial County and the surrounding region, and
provide for the economic and environmental benefits of the proposed
project; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature declares its support for a
private-public partnership to renovate and expand the Calexico West
Port of Entry; and be it further
   Resolved, The Legislature urges the Congress of the United States
to enact guiding legislation to authorize private-public partnerships
such as the one proposed for the expansion of the Calexico West Port
of Entry; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to each Senator and Representative from California in the
Congress of the United States and to the author for appropriate
distribution.