2013 New project: the first bi-national city along the US-Mexico border
By Adina Moloman
Sources: Albuquerque Journal
Susana Martinez, the current Governor of New Mexico, a republican, elected in 2010, has announced the creation of 70,000 acres of land available for industrial, commercial and residential development, around the Santa Teresa-San Jeronimo US-Mexico border crossing in order to create a bi-national city.
A bi-national city project with a proper infrastructure especially for entities manufacturing in Mexico, and for attracting business relocations, which are considering near sourcing opportunities. It would be situated in the mid-way point between seaports in Long Beach, California and Houston, Texas. This master plan is well supported by the Chihuahua, Mexico Governor César Duarte and also by the private sector, the academia, local business associations in charge of attracting foreign direct investment in the area, the Maquiladora Sector and private landowners companies located in US and Mexico in charge of the residential and commercial development.
Officials from both sides of the border are forming binational committees to work on a pilot program of a Dual Customs Clearance facility between the U.S. and Mexico and other infrastructure issues absolutely necessary for such a mega project: the rail bypass, port of entry, water use, security, energy, logistics and marketing. Related to infrastructure, there are several projects already in progress both on the US and Mexico sides such as: a new road to link the new Union Pacific facility with Pete Domenici Highway, which connects with the port of entry, the building of a massive intermodal transshipment terminal and locomotive refueling station next to the Santa Teresa industrial parks; on the Mexican side there is direct road connecting San Jeronimo with Juarez for a direct access to the industrial zone; the New Mexico Legislature already approved $6 million for new water and wastewater facilities at Santa Teresa and Mexico is already build a new wastewater treatment plant, two industrial parks are rapidly expanding on the US side and on the Mexican side, the Asian transnational corporation Foxconn, has already installed a new facility there.
This dream location for business success might take several years to materialize it, given the fact that every thing is in their early stage.
Given the experience of a similar project in Baja California, known as the Silicon Border Science Park development just outside of Mexicali on the U.S./ Mexican border, even where there is a huge public-private enthusiasm to get the things done, the advances are have been small steps.
