While funding for the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, an estimated $798 million project, has yet to be finalized, Newsom said that contractors have already been selected with the plan to break ground in January.
The funding for the San Diego County project is based on state dollars and a state program grant that relies on federal dollars. There is concern from Newsom and Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress will seek to table funding for the port of entry.
Last month, Newsom flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Joe Biden and top Democratic officials to strategize how to preserve California projects, including Otay Mesa East Port of Entry.
Newsom has promoted that a new port of entry would help cut down congestion and hours of lagging of trucks transporting key goods across the border.
“California is proving that we can build strong international partnerships with Mexico, our top trading partner, to grow our economy and create jobs while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities,” Newsom said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Newsom is attempting to reshape the national conversation on the border on boosting trade relations; while just a week ago, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on both Mexico and Canada if they failed to fall in line with his border security agenda.
Newsom said Trump’s proposed tariff plan would be detrimental, particularly for California.
