BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SJR 16|
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CONSENT
Bill No: SJR 16
Author: Vargas (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMM. : 9-0, 6/12/12
AYES: DeSaulnier, Gaines, Harman, Kehoe, Lowenthal,
Pavley, Rubio, Simitian, Wyland
SUBJECT : Calexico West Port of Entry
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : 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 United States 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
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compromises the ability of the U.S. 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.
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
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.
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FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 6/13/12)
City of Calexico
Imperial County
JJA:nl 6/13/12 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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