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-Editorial
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced a significant advancement in the modernization and expansion of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry, one of the busiest crossing points between the United States and Mexico. Hensel Phelps Construction Company has been selected for the final phase of the project, securing a $173.6 million contract for design-build services. The Phoenix-based firm will oversee the completion of this critical infrastructure development.
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the project aims to enhance capacity, security, and efficiency at the land port of entry. GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan highlighted the initiative’s multifaceted benefits, noting that it will bolster safety and security, create jobs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. “These investments are a triple win—creating good jobs that boost our economy and national security, saving taxpayer dollars, and building a stronger future for our communities,” Carnahan said.
The expansion includes a new 33,000-square-foot pedestrian processing facility. It is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 542 metric tons through its material selections. The project will utilize approximately $122 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with an additional $42 million allocated for low-embodied carbon materials and $1.7 million for sustainable technologies, including advanced heat pumps and duct sealing.
Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) praised the project’s impact on the Imperial Valley, emphasizing its potential to reduce border wait times, improve air quality, and stimulate economic growth. “This expansion will provide great relief and address extreme heat challenges,” Ruiz said.
Sukhee Kang, GSA’s Pacific Rim Regional Administrator, underscored the project’s commitment to future advancements in border management and environmental stewardship. “By incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable materials, we are ensuring the Calexico West Land Port of Entry meets the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility,” Kang stated.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $3.4 billion for modernizing land ports of entry, while the Inflation Reduction Act provides an additional $3.4 billion to promote low-embodied carbon construction materials and sustainability in federal facilities. The project’s construction is slated to begin in Summer 2025, with an anticipated completion in Winter 2028.
The Calexico West Land Port of Entry is the main border crossing connecting the important Imperial Valley agricultural industry to the State of Baja California. Built-in 1974, the port’s pedestrian and vehicle inspection facilities could no longer accommodate current traffic loads or meet the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s security requirements. Since 2015, the U.S. General Services Administration has led a modernization and expansion project to replace obsolete 1970s buildings with new, expanded vehicle and pedestrian inspection facilities that enhance CBP’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Phase 1, completed in Fall 2018, involved three southbound privately owned vehicle lanes and a southbound bridge over the New River, ten northbound privately owned vehicle inspection lanes with primary and secondary inspection canopies, including booths and inspection equipment, a new operations building, and site work to accommodate these facilities on the sloping site. In fiscal year 2019, GSA received $191 million to fund Phase 2A of the project, which included a new administration building, expansion of the vehicle secondary canopy inspection areas from nine to 16, and new northbound vehicle lanes from 10 to 16; five new southbound vehicle lanes, inspection booths, and canopy areas; and secure employee parking. Phase 2A was completed in Spring 2024.
In 2021, GSA received funding for Phase 2B through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the project. Specifically, the BIL-funded portion includes the installation of a temporary pedestrian inspection facility. This will facilitate the demolition of the existing pedestrian building and the construction of an expanded, permanent pedestrian inspection facility with increased processing capacity. Once completed, the project will provide the port with adequate operational space, reduce traffic congestion, and offer a safe environment for both port employees and visitors.
