Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) recently introduced Assembly Bill 427, which would update the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Act to streamline contracting methods in order to move the critical Otay Mesa East Project
forward in a timely manner.

“I am pleased to introduce this legislation which would ensure that this essential infrastructure project is fully funded and meets critical timelines agreed upon with the federal government and Mexico,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “Without this
clarification, the project’s future could be in jeopardy.”

AB 427 would clarify that the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) can use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) contracting method on the SR11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Project (POE).The Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Act is a joint effort between SANDAG and Caltrans in collaboration with state and federal partners in the United States and Mexican governments.

The project is expected to reduce the wait time from 1-2 hours to 20 minutes. It also serves as a relief valve for other border crossings in the area, decreasing peak wait times at regional existing land ports of entry by 50% on opening day. This measure is supported by SANDAG.