Site of the new Douglas Commercial Port of Entry Photo: GSA
Douglas, AZ — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded a $274,716,965 contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Company for the design and construction of the new Douglas Commercial Port of Entry. Project funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2022, GSA was authorized $3.4 billion in direct spending for infrastructure development projects. Hensel Phelps, a Phoenix-based company, will lead the design-build services for the new facility located approximately four and a half miles west of the existing Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry in Douglas, Arizona.
The current port of entry, known as the Castro port, was built in 1933 and faces challenges with trucks sharing a limited and undersized inspection area. This not only creates traffic congestion but also raises safety concerns. The new port aims to address these issues by increasing the number of commercial vehicle inspection lanes from one to four and expanding the commercial vehicle inspection docks from 12 to 36. The new facility will be equipped to process oversized equipment, which the existing Castro port cannot accommodate.
Castro Port; Photo GSA
As part of the overall modernization effort, the existing Castro port will also be expanded and upgraded for an estimated $184 million. It will serve pedestrians, private vehicles, and buses.
Castro Port; Photo Cochise County
The new facility project will include the construction of primary commercial inspection booths, administrative and support buildings, enclosed secondary commercial vehicle inspection docks, employee parking, and a hazardous materials building.
The new Douglas Commercial Port of Entry will be constructed as an all-electric facility. It will feature solar panels to generate clean, renewable energy and achieve net-zero energy consumption. Other sustainability features will include water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient building systems, and low-carbon construction materials such as concrete and steel. This aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean Initiative, which prioritizes the use of construction materials with lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Construction for the new port is set to commence in the fall of 2025, with an expected completion date in the fall of 2028.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva expressed his support for the project: "Throughout my entire career, I’ve been dedicated to improving the lives of those in the borderlands. Now, thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has secured millions in federal funding for a significant upgrade and modernization of the Douglas Land Port of Entry," he said. "This state-of-the-art facility will not only improve connections and boost trade but also strengthen ties between our nations and communities. I’m particularly proud that this project will prioritize environmental sustainability, incorporating renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials."
Douglas Mayor Donald Huish echoed the positive impact this project will have on the community: “I’m excited to announce the GSA’s design-build award for our new port of entry, a pivotal step forward for our community,” he stated. “This project underscores our commitment to border trade, which is the cornerstone of our economic vitality and future prosperity. By enhancing our infrastructure, we are not only facilitating commerce but also creating jobs and opportunities for our residents. Together we are building a stronger, more connected future for all.”
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