December 17, 2019

Rep. Vargas Releases Statement on San Ysidro Port of Entry Expansion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

San Diego, CA. (December 17, 2019) –Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after participating in the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization and Expansion Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today.

 “When I first got elected to Congress, the San Ysidro LPOE Modernization and Expansion Project became one of my top priority,” said Rep. Vargas.  “I’m honored to be part of a project that will strengthen our border community and guarantee opportunities for binational collaboration. 

“The San Ysidro LPOE is undeniably an economic engine for the San Diego border region and the nation. By improving our border, we reduce the port’s carbon footprint, and facilitate greater economic growth for this region. When we invest in our infrastructure, we are making long-term investments in our communities.

“The project gained bipartisan support with the help of the San Diego congressional delegation, along with state and local officials, community members, and local business leaders.  Our work in Congress secured $226 million in funding for the FY 2014 and $216 million for the FY 2015 to fulfill the final phase of the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry Modernization and Expansion Project.”

The San Ysidro LPOE is the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere; currently processing an average of 70,000 northbound vehicle passengers and 20,000 northbound pedestrians per day.

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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