BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �






           SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE       BILL NO: SJR 16
          SENATOR MARK DESAULNIER, CHAIRMAN              AUTHOR:  vargas
                                                         VERSION: 2/9/12
          Analysis by:  Eric Thronson                    FISCAL:  no
          Hearing date:  June 12, 2012



          SUBJECT:

          Calexico West Port of Entry

          DESCRIPTION:

          This resolution urges the United States Congress to enact 
          guiding legislation to authorize public-private partnerships for 
          projects such as the proposed expansion of the Calexico West 
          Port of Entry.

          ANALYSIS:



          The Calexico Border Station in Calexico, California, a 
          pedestrian and vehicle inspection facility constructed in 1974, 
          is the third busiest non-commercial land port in the United 
          States.  On an average day, more than 16,000 privately-owned 
          vehicles and 20,000 pedestrians enter the United States through 
          the Calexico facility.





          According to the US General Services Administration (GSA), the 
          existing Calexico facilities are undersized relative to existing 
          traffic loads and obsolete in terms of inspection officer safety 
          and border security.  The inadequacy of the existing facilities 
          seriously compromises the ability of the US Department of 
          Homeland Security (DHS) to accomplish its mission because the 
          workspace is too small to accommodate additional staff, systems, 
          and equipment required following the events of September 11, 
          2001.  







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          Since 2005, GSA has worked toward addressing these concerns 
          through the development of an expanded and updated facility.  
          When completed, the project will provide the port operation with 
          adequate operational space, reduced traffic congestion, and a 
          safe environment for port employees and visitors.  GSA has fully 
          planned the expansion of the Calexico Port and acquired the 
          necessary environmental clearances.  Unfortunately, due to the 
          current fiscal situation facing the federal government, as well 
          as state and local governments, no entity has committed to fully 
          fund the project with public financing resources.  To date, 
          Congress has appropriated approximately $23.8 million for site 
          acquisition and project design; GSA is seeking an additional 
          $320 million for construction and completion of the project.  It 
          is unclear if or when Congress will appropriate the funds 
          necessary to construct the project.

           This resolution  urges the United States Congress to enact 
          guiding legislation to authorize public-private partnerships for 
          projects such as the proposed expansion of the Calexico West 
          Port of Entry.
          


          COMMENTS:

           Purpose  .  Many federal agencies, including those within DHS, 
          have procured infrastructure and other capital improvements 
          using private capital markets for financing and construction 
          activities.  According to the author, discussions are currently 
          underway to formulate a proposal with private parties to 
          finance, construct, and lease the proposed expansion.  The 
          author notes, however, that these proposals are contingent upon 
          Congress providing guiding legislation to implement the plan.  
          This resolution urges Congress to take action that would enable 
          this important port of entry to utilize private funding to 
          construct the proposed expansion.
          
          POSITIONS:  (Communicated to the committee before noon on 
          Wednesday,                                             June 6, 
          2012)

               SUPPORT:  City of Calexico
                         Imperial County
          




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               OPPOSED:  None received