December 16, 2020

The California Transportation Commission allocated more than $565 million for current projects and approved $2 billion in future improvements to address transportation needs across the state. This includes the following projects in our region:

• $42.5 million for the State Route 11/Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry project (Otay 2). The investment covers energy, water, and communication utility relocation, and studies including design plans on the port of entry.
• $22.7 million to the City of San Diego for the La Media Road Expansion Project to improve cargo access and customs operations in Otay Mesa.
• The $2 billion awarded for future projects will provide funding through 2023 to improve the movement of goods, increase mobility options and access to public transit, and support equity and environmental sustainability.

With 90 percent of California’s exports to Mexico traveling through our region’s ports of entry, the Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry project will be a critical relief valve for cargo and passenger vehicles and will improve mobility while reducing air pollution and congestion across our regional ports of entry. In addition, the La Media Road Expansion project will optimize operations of local streets and reduce congestion at a critical trade corridor for California exports. Border wait times currently cost both countries $7.2 billion annually in lost economic output and impact over 62,000 jobs. The Chamber has issued letters in support of these projects to both U.S. and Mexican authorities.