California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday joined federal and state officials from the United States and Mexico to announce the authorization of a new California-Mexico border crossing.
The crossing at Otay Mesa bordering California and Mexico will help stimulate economy, bolster trade and enhance border security, the governor said in a statement.
Granted by the U.S. Department of State, the federal permit promises to accommodate projected trade growth and improve economic activity between this region and other parts of the world, said the statement.
It has been over a decade since a border crossing opened between California and Baja California, Mexico.
"This is one more step in our continued effort to rebuild and expand the infrastructure needed to accommodate increased international trade with Mexico and other countries around the world," said Schwarzenegger.
"This project will not only enhance border security and assist in the movement of goods and people across our borders -- it will help attract new business and investment in the region and boost our economic competitiveness in the global marketplace. The faster we can securely move people and vital goods and services, the stronger our economy will be."
In February, Schwarzenegger sent a letter to the Bush Administration strongly urging the issuance of the federal permit. In August, the governor hosted the 26th Annual Border Governors Conference, where a joint declaration was reached among ten U.S. and Mexican border states that fosters a renewed commitment to reducing border wait times and improving the secure movement of people, goods and services across the United States-Mexico border.
"The addition of the Otay Mesa port of entry will enhance border security in California," said Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security Matthew Bettenhausen. "Bringing new facilities and technology along with more customs and border staff will improve our ability to monitor cargo, vehicles and people crossing our international border."
Source:Xinhua
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