DOT 23-08
Friday, February 15, 2008
Contact: Brian Turmail
Tel.: (202) 366-4570

U.S. Transportation Secretary Peters Announces New U.S. – Mexico Port of Entry Border Crossing in Yuma, Arizona
Project will bring new economic opportunities to U.S. truckers and businesses

YUMA, AZ – U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters - at a press conference today announcing a new U.S. – Mexico border crossing in Yuma, Arizona - stated that local communities and businesses across the nation stand to benefit from increased trade under a federal program that makes it possible for U.S. trucks to enter into Mexico.

The cross-border demonstration project allows U.S. companies to travel into Mexico to make deliveries and pick-ups – giving them the ability to compete in Mexico’s growing markets and take advantage of new business opportunities.

“Truckers from Peoria to Portland now have an opportunity to benefit from the multi-billion dollar cross-border shipping industry,” Secretary Peters said. “American workers and American businesses stand to profit every time a truck brings goods across our border.”

In addition, Secretary Peters said the new border crossing will make cross-border access easier, which will make Yuma and the State of Arizona far better positioned to take advantage of enhanced trade with Mexico.

“Hard working men and women in places like Yuma understand how important trade is to the strength of our economy and the success of our country. They’ve seen the benefits of increased commerce between the U.S. and Mexico, including some of the $332 billion in shipments that cross our shared border every year.” Secretary Peters said.

The cross-border trucking project, Secretary Peters said, has been criticized by some that would seek to disallow U.S. truckers these new opportunities, shield them from competition, and inhibit growth. However, she continued, Yuma’s investment in the new border-crossing shows that local communities are not willing to turn their backs on billions of dollars worth of trade.

“Families and businesses in places like this see competition and trade as a path to opportunity, and a road to success,” Secretary Peters said.

Click here to view the Secretary's remarks.