Heinrich Applauds Ambitious Modernization Proposal for Santa Teresa Port of Entry, Urges Swift Approval

FACT SHEET

WASHINGTON – Today, in a letter to the General Services Administration (GSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) urged the prompt completion of a feasibility study to expand and modernize the Santa Teresa Port of Entry (STLPOE). 

Last week, on March 6, 2024, GSA and CBP presented their feasibility study findings to the public. Funded by Congressionally Directed Spending secured by Heinrich in the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, the feasibility study included findings to expand the port to fifteen northbound commercial lanes, eleven northbound passenger lanes, five southbound lanes, and three dedicated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspection bays. This major expansion would make Santa Teresa one of the largest commercial land ports of entry on the entire southern border. 

This latest push by Heinrich follows his decades-long work to expand and invest in the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. During his tenure in Congress, he has successfully secured millions of federal dollars to invest in the road, rail, and air cargo infrastructure in this rapidly growing center of New Mexico’s trade economy.  

You can find more information about all of Heinrich actions to secure forward-looking investments to modernize and expand the Port HERE.

In his letter, Heinrich wrote: “I strongly support the expansion and modernization of STLPOE and respectfully request that GSA immediately finalize the feasibility study and prioritize this project. STLPOE can serve as a model for land ports along the southern border, and these improvements are necessary to ensure our nation’s supply chain stability, enhance border security, and spur economic growth in our border communities.” 

Full text of Heinrich’s letter can be found HERE and below. 

Dear Administrator Carnahan and Acting Commissioner Miller,  

I write in strong support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General Services Administration’s (GSA) findings presented on March 6, 2024, to modernize and expand the Santa Teresa Land Port of Entry (STLPOE). I urge you to promptly finalize the STLPOE feasibility study and prioritize this project.

I am pleased that CBP and the GSA recognize the important role southern New Mexico plays in our nation’s economy. This smart investment in port infrastructure and border security will help our nation meet the international trade demands of the future, strengthen security at the southern border, and ensure New Mexico’s border businesses and communities thrive.

Despite outdated infrastructure and just three northbound commercial lanes, STLPOE has become a critical facilitator of international trade - especially with Mexico, our largest trading partner. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in the five-year period from 2014 to 2019, STLPOE grew at a yearly average rate of 8.9 percent in total trade value and 9.1 percent in in-bound truck crossings, and continues to grow at a rapid pace each month. That is, in part, why I have consistently advocated that STLPOE be expanded and modernized. Santa Teresa has proven its strategic importance to strengthening the United States’ supply chains, facilitating increased domestic production, and improving the economic well-being of New Mexicans and all Americans. Now, we must give STLPOE the resources to become a port of the future.

On March 6, GSA and CBP presented the community with findings for a large-scale expansion and modernization of STLPOE. The number of lanes, docks, and inspection bays included in GSA and CBP’s presentation are vital for the port to increase bilateral trade and maintain critical U.S. supply chains. The findings include fifteen northbound commercial lanes, eleven northbound passenger lanes, five southbound lanes, and three dedicated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspection bays. The submission properly recognizes STLPOE as a catalyst of economic growth and development along our southern border. With federal investments in highways that provide faster transportation and a jetport for larger cargo planes to land near the industrial parks, STLPOE and the entire New Mexico Borderplex region are uniquely positioned to accommodate this rapid expansion.

U.S. land ports of entry also act as the front line in our country’s fight to interdict and confiscate fentanyl before it enters the U.S. In FY 2023, CBP seized 240,000 pounds of drugs at the southern border, which included 1.1 billion doses of fentanyl. Of the 27,000 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP in FY2023, 26,700 were seized at the southwest border. We must continue to make progress towards achieving the goal of 100% scanning at U.S. land ports of entry and ensure full deployment of the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) scanning technology at these ports. As you work to quickly finalize the feasibility study for STLPOE, I urge you to include recommendations detailing large-scale investments in innovative screening and fentanyl interdiction-related technologies so that officers there can more accurately, swiftly, and safely detect illicit substances and other contraband.

I strongly support the expansion and modernization of STLPOE and respectfully request that GSA immediately finalize the feasibility study and prioritize this project. STLPOE can serve as a model for land ports along the southern border, and these improvements are necessary to ensure our nation’s supply chain stability, enhance border security, and spur economic growth in our border communities.

Sincerely,

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