Legislation That Makes Sense: The Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2011

NDN/NPI is committed to advancing the idea of the 21st Century Border, the region between Mexico and the United States, is fast becoming one of tremendous commerce and job creation not just for states along the border, but for the nation as a whole.

Yesterday Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva dropped the Border Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2011.

While this legislations main emphasis is on Arizona ports of entry, this legislation also has national implications. 80% of trade with mexico comes at ports of entry so investment in ports in Arizona is an investment for the nation.

The Government of Mexico has a a handy map which shows that Approximately 235,700 jobs in Arizona rely on trade with Mexico, that number is 252,800 in Michigan, 249,000 in Nebraska and 119,000 in Ohio – states that benefit directly from effective transportation and infrastructure at the border. The legislation would:

Establishes the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Commission (EPC) to strengthen border economic development and commerce

Establishes a Port Security and Trade Facilitation grant to expand trusted shipper program access to small and medium-sized businesses

Fully funds the expansion and modernization projects at the San Luis I and Douglas ports of entry

Adds 500 CBP officers to Arizona’s land ports of entry

Establishes a Border Small Business Revitalization grant program to stimulate employment opportunities and capital investment in border communities

Mandates that at least 30 percent of labor for any federal contract or subcontract is performed by a local subcontractor

In the release provided for the legislation Congressman Grijalva noted that:

"American jobs rely on a smart, modern economy with the infrastructure to match. This is a realistic, necessary upgrade to our local and national business model, and there’s no reason to oppose the jobs this would create or the opportunities this would open up. I listened to Southern Arizona when I was writing this bill, and I believe this is the right way forward for our community and our country."