Rep. Juan Vargas Announces $191 Million for Calexico Port of Entry
Washington, D.C. (February 15, 2019) — Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) announced that $191 million was approved for the Calexico West Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Reconfiguration and Expansion Project. With this additional funding, Rep. Vargas has secured more than $700 million for border infrastructure in his district since taking office in 2013.
“This funding brings us one step closer to completing the Calexico LPOE project,” said Rep. Vargas. “When we invest in our border infrastructure, we are making long-term investments that will increase jobs, strengthen our national security, and stimulate our regional and national economies.”
Mexico is California’s top trading partner and improving the Calexico West LPOE is an essential part of enhancing California’s economy. Cross-border trade between California and Mexico, both imports and exports, was valued at more than $190 billion in 2011. According to a 2007 study by the Imperial Valley Association of Governments, California businesses lost an estimated $436 million and 5,639 jobs directly attributable to long border crossing wait times.
“We have seen great progress in the construction of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry,” said Vargas. “I am committed to working with our local leaders and my colleagues in Congress to build on this momentum and ensure the funding needed to complete this project is included in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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