WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R-NM) continues to work for economic development and jobs in New Mexico's Second District, requesting that Acting Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Troy Miller dedicate additional resources to development and modernization of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry.
"I am asking CBP and the General Services Administration to prioritize Santa Teresa for port modernization, because it is a vital and growing economic hub that benefits families and businesses in New Mexico and across our great country," said Rep. Herrell. "Modernization means more jobs, shorter wait-times, and commercial investment in the region. I will never stop fighting for economic opportunity for the people of New Mexico."
The Santa Teresa Port of Entry ranks seventh in the nation and first in New Mexico for Import/Export Traffic at the U.S./Mexico border. According to the New Mexico Border Industrial Association, New Mexico has led the nation in growth of exports to Mexico since 2014, increasing 412 percent since 2010.
This trade, largely facilitated by the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, is key to economic development in New Mexico and the nation at large.
As reported by the Las Cruces Sun News:
- The Santa Teresa Port of Entry saw total trade increase from $25,991,412,062 in 2018 to $30,504,770,356 in 2019 — an increase of 17.4%.
- Exports from the Santa Teresa port increased from $11,656,560,053 in 2018 to $14,098,528,777 in 2019 — an increase of 20.9%.
- The Las Cruces metropolitan area accounts for about 40 percent of the state’s exports. Albuquerque provides about 21 percent.
- In 2019, New Mexico exported about $2.39 billion in goods to Mexico.
Rep. Herrell's letter to Acting Commissioner Miller can be found here.