August 25, 2015
The Otay II Mesa East Port of Entry binational project will contribute to significant economic growth for our region and stimulate binational trade. The Port of Entry will provide secure, reliable, and predictable crossings.
By enhancing production sharing with more efficient supply chain linkages between manufacturers and markets, the Otay II Mesa East Port of Entry (POE) project will contribute to significant economic growth and stimulate binational trade.
In addition to secure, reliable, and predictable crossings with a goal of 20-minute waits, the project also includes a commercial vehicle enforcement facility and will utilize state-of-the-art Intelligent Transportation Systems concepts and technology.
Through an advanced traveler alert system, border crossers will be informed about toll rates at the Otay II Mesa East POE, as well as border wait times and special lane conditions at the major ports in the San Diego-Baja California region so they can better plan their trips and choose which POE best suits their needs.
The implementation of electronic variable toll rates will provide an ability to manage cross-border traffic, reducing wait times and making the crossing more predictable.
Otay II POE will collect tolls on roads leading up to the POE which will serve as the backbone for financing the project.
Additional funding mechanisms are being explored, including the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
Potential public-private opportunities exist to provide value-added amenities to enhance operational efficiency.
Through its advocacy efforts, the Chamber has:
- Advanced the project in a timely manner in order to take advantage of the window of opportunity that currently exists with the collaboration between the administrations of Presidents Obama and Peña Nieto and the State of California.
- Built support for the construction of SR 11 and the new port of entry: Otay Mesa East.
- Actively supported this binational project locally and in Mexico City.
- Authored an op-ed in April 2015 in conjunction with SANDAG on the importance of the project and contribution to our local economy.