FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Kelly Taft
MAG Communications Manager
(602) 452-5020

PHOENIX (May 2, 2012) – Improving trade relations with Mexico and enhancing the flow of commerce into Arizona is the goal of a border resolution that has been supported by all of the Councils of Governments and all of the state’s metropolitan planning organizations throughout Arizona. The resolution calls for proactive support for infrastructure improvements at the Arizona ports of entry to improve traffic flow and improve trade between Arizona and Mexico.

Among the agencies signing the resolution are the Central Arizona Association of Governments, Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (which drafted a separate resolution in support of MAG’s efforts), Maricopa Association of Governments, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, Pima Association of Governments, SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization, Western Arizona Council of Governments, and the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization will consider the resolution later this spring.

Issues being examined include increasing U.S. Customs and Border staffing; reducing commercial vehicle wait times; reducing the number of hours it takes to process rail cars through the border; and seeking dedicated funding sources for ports of entry.

A recent MAG Freight Transportation Framework Study, which examined the Sun Corridor, found that other border states like Texas are far outpacing Arizona when it comes to developing trade relations with Mexico. While Arizona exports to Mexico totaled about $5.7 billion in 2011, in Texas the total was $87 billion.

“Those numbers tell the story: We are losing valuable economic development opportunities to other border states. It is time for local governments to assist the state in enhancing our trade relations with Mexico, and to capitalize on the numerous benefits that an improved relationship would bring,” said MAG Chair and Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. “The support that we are receiving from our fellow planning agencies in this effort has been phenomenal, and it illustrates that Arizona is ready and willing to be proactive in this effort.”

Legal Mexican visitors spend approximately $7.3 million each day in Arizona.

“Arizona’s border is the gateway for some $26 billion worth of imports and exports and some 44 million people each year,” said Arizona-Mexico Commission Executive Director Margie Emmerman, who serves as the policy advisor for Mexico and Latin America for the Governor’s Office. “In order to maximize the opportunities that this flow of goods and people present, we need to make the appropriate investments in inspection and transportation infrastructure. Having all of Arizona’s Councils of Governments and planning organizations approve a resolution that highlights border infrastructure and trade is indicative of the growing recognition and understanding of the importance of the border to the state and to the nation. The Arizona-Mexico Commission remains committed to working with the border communities, the councils of governments and other stakeholders to ensure that we are ready for current and future growth and job creation throughout Arizona,” she said.

The idea for a border resolution was born out of a recent series of trips in which elected officials, business leaders and staff from Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties visited the Arizona ports of entry in Nogales and San Luis. The purpose of the trips was to better understand the challenges facing freight movement to and from Mexico and Arizona.

“I attended both trips to the ports of entry and personally witnessed the need for appropriate investments to help improve trade across our border,” said Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf. “As the chair of the MAG Economic Development Committee, it is encouraging to see the level of cooperation from the entire state in recognizing these issues. We can greatly enhance our economic situation not only at the border but throughout Arizona by improving our border crossings.”

Recently, Governor Jan Brewer announced the formation of the State Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance to also explore infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities at the border.

“Enhancing global competitiveness and supporting the creation of quality jobs in Arizona is a principal objective of the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance,” said John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. “By examining current and future infrastructure needs, we can chart a strategic course for Arizona’s position as a leader in the trade, logistics, infrastructure and energy sectors. Support from the state’s councils of governments demonstrates the widespread commitment to further the goals of the alliance.”

The issue is additionally getting federal attention. With the U.S. global market share of spending by international travelers falling from 17 to 11 percent, in January President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Process Goals and the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness.

“This issue now has national momentum and the support we have had from the local leaders is tremendous,” said Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers, who serves as vice chair of MAG and is also the incoming president of the National League of Cities. “We are unique in that our regional planning agencies are banding together in concert with the state to move Arizona forward in our global economy.”

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