Border Infrastructure Issue

For more than a decade, Senator Domenici was the chief proponent of opening a permanent border crossing in Dona Ana County, securing $9.28 million for the construction of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. The Santa Teresa port, formally dedicated in 1998, was part of a $357 million Southwest Border Improvement Program developed by Domenici and former Arizona Senator Dennis DeConcini. Approved by Congress in 1986, the plan was designed to improve border infrastructure so that states could better take advantage of commerce and trade opportunities with Mexico.

Senator Domenici has used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure funds for other significant infrastructure projects, such as $5.6 million to help pave a 60-mile road from Santa Teresa to Columbus, and $2.5 million for the construction of a truck bypass road at the Columbus Port of Entry. In July 1999, the New Mexico Border Authority made a decision to name Highway 136, known as Artcraft Road, the "Pete V. Domenici International Highway," to honor the Senator's work to bolster border infrastructure in New Mexico. In the FY 2003 Transportation Appropriations Bill, Domenici secured Appropriations Committee approval of his $5 million request to aid in the expansion of Sunland Park Drive from two lanes to four.

Senator Domenici introduced his most recent border infrastructure initiative, S. 575, the Border Infrastructure and Technology Modernization Act, in February 2007. This legislation builds upon the bill addresses border infrastructure, technology, and security needs that have come to light since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. S. 575 authorizes nearly $1 billion in improvements over five years for the Northern and Southwestern land borders, including resources for personnel increases and training, infrastructure, technology, and government-industry programs to enhance border security and facilitate the flow of legitimate commerce. Senator Domenici was able to include these provisions as an amendment to the FY2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

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