Source: United States General Services Administration
February 10, 2023
Award represents major milestone, kicking off master planning efforts
TUCSON, Ariz. — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced its selection of Line and Space, LLC, a small business based in Tucson, Arizona, to provide Architecture and Engineering services for the modernization and expansion of the Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in Douglas, Arizona. The $3.6 million contract is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The Raul Hector Castro LPOE is a regional economic engine critical to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mission, yet it is undersized and can no longer accommodate current traffic volumes. The modernization and expansion project would address this by processing privately owned vehicles and pedestrians at the existing port, while relocating commercial vehicle inspection to a new, planned commercial port five (5) miles west. Line and Space, LLC will develop a master plan design and draft preliminary concept documents to accomplish this goal. When completed, the modernized Castro LPOE and the new commercial port will transform Douglas into a 21st-century regional tourism gateway and commercial transportation hub.
“The AE services contract award is an important milestone for the port modernization and expansion project,” said GSA Regional Administrator Sukhee Kang. “It sets the stage for developing preliminary design documents, accelerating contracting efforts and overall project delivery. This project is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is boosting local economies, strengthening critical supply chains, engaging small businesses, and creating good-paying American jobs.”
“The Raul Hector Castro Port of Entry serves as an economic engine for Douglas and the first line of defense in stopping dangerous drugs and people from entering Southern Arizona,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema. “I’m incredibly proud that the bipartisan infrastructure law I wrote and negotiated provides the funds needed to modernize this crucial port – boosting economic opportunities and strengthening national security.”
“Since I toured the Raul H. Castro port with Mayor Huish and CBP personnel during my first weeks in office, one of my top priorities has been to move forward with modernizing it while creating a new commercial port,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “Completing this project will not only improve cross-border traffic and trade, but it will also help strengthen border security by putting in place better technology to combat illegal drug smuggling. This contract award is an important step forward, and I look forward to continuing to work with Administrator Carnahan and state and local officials to get this done.”
“This next phase of the modernization of the Douglas Port of Entry is the result of federal funding from President Biden’s and Congressional Democrats’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Rep. Raúl Grijalva. “I’m pleased to see these funds being used to improve cross-border transit, tourism, and commercialization in this southern border community. I look forward to the next phase of this project and will continue to support economic development in Douglas and across the borderlands.”
“The City of Douglas is excited about this important next step in modernization of the Raul Hector Castro LPOE,” said Mayor Donald Huish. “The port is a driver of our region’s economy and our partnership with the General Services Administration continues to pay dividends for the citizens of Douglas and Cochise County. We are excited to see this progress.”
GSA is responsible for constructing and maintaining LPOEs along the nation’s borders in partnership with and support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies. Through the BIL, GSA is modernizing over 20 LPOEs along the Canadian and Mexican borders. These upgrades will strengthen supply chains, create good-paying jobs, enhance safety and security, and provide sustainable solutions to keep these ports operating efficiently and effectively for years to come.
Learn more about the Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry at gsa.gov/castro.