BORDERS COMMITTEE AGENDA

Transcription

1 Members John Minto, Chair Vice Mayor, City of Santee (Representing East County) Greg Cox, Vice Chair Chairman, County of San Diego Al Ovrom Councilmember, City of Coronado (Representing South County) Teresa Barth Mayor, City of Encinitas (Representing North County Coastal) Ed Gallo Councilmember, City of Escondido (Representing North County Inland) David Alvarez Councilmember, City of San Diego John Renison Supervisor (Representing Imperial County) Alternates Ruth Sterling Councilmember, City of La Mesa (Representing East County) Dave Roberts Supervisor, County of San Diego Rudy Ramirez Councilmember, City of Chula Vista (Representing South County) Lorraine Wood Councilmember, City of Carlsbad (Representing North County Coastal) Jim Cunningham Councilmember, City of Poway (Representing North County Inland) Mark Kersey Councilmember, City of San Diego Bill Hodge, Mayor Pro Tem (Representing Imperial County) BORDERS COMMITTEE AGENDA Friday, July 26, :30 to 2:30 p.m. SANDAG Board Room 401 B Street, 7th Floor San Diego AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS SAN YSIDRO INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER STUDY DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPTS TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT REGULATION ORDINANCE THE STATE OF THE BORDER REPORT Advisory Members S.R. Al Lopez Board Member, Western Municipal Water District (Representing Riverside County) PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES DURING THE MEETING Jim Ferryman (Representing Orange County) Remedios Gómez-Arnau Consul General Consulate General of Mexico Farrah Douglas San Diego County Water Authority Laurie Berman District 11 Director, Caltrans Mark Romero (Mesa Grande) Southern California Tribal Chairmen s Association Richard Macias Director of Planning Southern California Association of Governments Gary L. Gallegos Executive Director, SANDAG YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE BORDERS COMMITTEE MEETING BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE AT MISSION STATEMENT The Borders Committee provides oversight for planning activities that impact the borders of the San Diego region (Orange, Riverside and Imperial Counties, and the Republic of Mexico) as well as government-to-government relations with tribal nations in San Diego County. The preparation and implementation of SANDAG s Binational, Interregional, and Tribal Liaison Planning programs are included under this purview. It advises the SANDAG Board of Directors on major interregional planning policy-level matters. Recommendations of the Committee are forwarded to the Board of Directors for action. San Diego Association of Governments 401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA (619) Fax (619)

2 Welcome to SANDAG. Members of the public may speak to the Borders Committee on any item at the time the Committee is considering the item. Please complete a Speaker s Slip, which is located in the rear of the room, and then present the slip to Committee staff. Members of the public may address the Committee on any issue under the agenda item entitled Public Comments/Communications/Member Comments. Public speakers are limited to three minutes or less per person. The Borders Committee may take action on any item appearing on the agenda. In order to keep the public informed in an efficient manner and facilitate public participation, SANDAG also provides access to all agenda and meeting materials online at Additionally, interested persons can sign up for e-notifications via our e-distribution list at either the SANDAG website or by sending an request to webmaster@sandag.org. Public comments regarding the agenda can be forwarded to SANDAG via the comment form available on the website. comments should be received no later than 12 noon, two working days prior to the Board of Directors meeting. Any handouts, presentations, or other materials from the public intended for distribution at the Borders Committee meeting should be received by the Clerk of the Committee no later than 12 noon, two working days prior to the meeting. SANDAG operates its programs without regard to race, color, and national origin in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. SANDAG has developed procedures for investigating and tracking Title VI complaints and the procedures for filing a complaint are available to the public upon request. Questions concerning SANDAG nondiscrimination obligations or complaint procedures should be directed to SANDAG General Counsel, John Kirk, at (619) or john.kirk@sandag.org. Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of persons to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI also may file a written complaint with the Federal Transit Administration. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons who require assistance in order to participate in SANDAG meetings. If such assistance is required, please contact SANDAG at (619) at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. To request this document or related reports in an alternative format, please call (619) , (619) (TTY), or fax (619) SANDAG agenda materials can be made available in alternative languages. To make a request call (619) at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Los materiales de la agenda de SANDAG están disponibles en otros idiomas. Para hacer una solicitud, llame al (619) al menos 72 horas antes de la reunión. 如有需要, 我们可以把 SANDAG 议程材料翻译成其他語言. 请在会议前至少 72 小时打电话 (619) 提出请求. SANDAG offices are accessible by public transit. Phone 511 or see 511sd.com for route information. Bicycle parking is available in the parking garage of the SANDAG offices. 2 Rev

3 BORDERS COMMITTEE Friday, July 26, 2013 ITEM # RECOMMENDATION +1. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 28, 2013, MEETING MINUTES APPROVE 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS Members of the public shall have the opportunity to address the Borders Committee on any issue within the jurisdiction of SANDAG that is not on this agenda. Anyone desiring to speak shall reserve time by completing a Request to Speak form and giving it to the Borders Committee coordinator prior to speaking. Public speakers should notify the Borders Committee coordinator if they have a handout for distribution to Borders Committee members. Public speakers are limited to three minutes or less per person. Borders Committee members also may provide information and announcements under this agenda item. CONSENT (3 and 4) +3. RECENT SANDAG EFFORTS TO SUPPORT BORDER TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE (Hector Vanegas) INFORMATION This report summarizes recent SANDAG efforts to address needs to improve the region s border-crossing capacity. +4. JULY 7, 2013, STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA (Hector Vanegas) INFORMATION On July 7, 2013, the State of Baja California held elections to elect the Governor, Mayors, and Local Representatives (Deputies). The new Governor of Baja California will be sworn in on November 1, 2013, for a six-year term ending in Mayors and Deputies are elected for a three-year term, and they will be sworn in on December 1, 2013, and October 1, 2013 respectively. REPORTS (5 through 10) 5. SUBREGIONAL REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS INFORMATION Members of the Borders Committee report issues and activities within their subregion that are of interest or under the purview of the Committee. +6. REPORT FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO (Hon. Remedios Gómez-Arnau, Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego) INFORMATION The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Hon. Remedios Gómez-Arnau, contributes to the Borders Committee dialogue by providing periodic reports on binational activities within the purview of the Committee. This report highlights important aspects of the Mexico United States bilateral relationship. 3

4 7. UPDATE FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBAL CHAIRMEN'S ASSOCIATION (Chairman Mark Romero, Mesa Grande) INFORMATION Chairman Mark Romero, representative of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen s Association on the Borders Committee, will brief the members on issues and activities affecting tribal nations in the region and the state. +8. SAN YSIDRO INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER STUDY DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPTS (Rachel Kennedy) DISCUSSION SANDAG, in partnership with the City of San Diego, Caltrans, Metropolitan Transit System, and the community, is conducting a study to develop a concept, as well as a funding and implementation strategy for an Intermodal Transportation Center in the vicinity of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Two design concepts have been developed with input gathered from the community, border crossers, and the market study of potential commercial and institutional uses. Staff will present the draft concepts and provide an update on the study efforts to date. 9. TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT REGULATION ORDINANCE (U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP); Adam Geisler, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians) INFORMATION Tribal Employment Regulation Ordinance (TERO) makes employment opportunities available to qualified Native Americans from the tribes near projects that are federally funded. A representative of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the U.S. Department of Labor will provide an overview of the program and its applications. TERO impacts many areas of tribal economy including contracting, employment opportunities, and taxation. Adam Geisler, Councilmember of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, will update the Borders Committee on how the tribal nations in the San Diego region are supporting this effort THE STATE OF THE BORDER REPORT (Rick Van Schoik, North American Research Partnership) INFORMATION This report provides a comprehensive look at the state of affairs in the management of the U.S.-Mexico border and the border region, focusing on four core areas: trade and competitiveness, security, sustainability, and quality of life. 11. UPCOMING MEETING INFORMATION The next meeting of the Borders Committee is scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2013, at 12:30 p.m. 12. ADJOURNMENT + next to an item indicates an attachment 4

5 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 1 Action Requested: APPROVE BORDERS COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS MEETING OF JUNE 28, 2013 The meeting of the Borders Committee was called to order by Chair John Minto (East County) at 12:36 p.m. See the attached attendance sheet for Borders Committee member attendance. Chair John Minto welcomed the Borders Committee members. Chair Minto announced that Phillip Johnston retired from SANDAG and introduced Michael Garcia, who will support the Borders Committee meetings, and invited Tomas Oliva (SCAG) to join them at the dais. Selfintroductions were conducted. 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES (APPROVE) Action: Upon a motion by Councilmember Al Ovrom, City of Coronado (South County), and a second by Chairman Greg Cox, Vice Chair (County of San Diego), the Borders Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the April 26, 2013, meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS/MEMBER COMMENTS Frederic Hewett, City of Chula Vista Intern (member of public), introduced himself and provided an update on the International Friendship games held on June 1, which involved over 1,500 students in seven different sports from schools within San Diego County and municipalities in Baja California, including the first crossborder bike ride. Mr. Hewett thanked the Committee for their support. Vice Chair Greg Cox, Chairman (County of San Diego), recognized the efforts of Councilmember Rudy Ramirez. Chair Minto announced an upcoming community meeting to explore two design ideas for a future intermodal transportation center at San Ysidro, scheduled on July 10, 2013, located at Colonel Irving Salomon San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road, San Diego, California.

6 CONSENT (3 and 4) 3. BORDERS COMMITTEE WORK ELEMENTS AND CALENDAR OF MEETINGS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 (INFORMATION) This report outlined the work elements and tasks included in the Fiscal Year 2014 Overall Work Program that are related to the responsibilities of the Borders Committee, as well as a draft calendar of meetings for the next Fiscal Year. Chair Minto introduced this item. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 4. PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE 2013 SANDAG BINATIONAL EVENT "MOVING THE BORDER FORWARD: COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY" (INFORMATION) Since 1997, SANDAG has organized an annual event to address binational topics. This year the event focused on crossborder planning and collaboration upon the 20th anniversary of the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the La Paz agreement. This report presented highlights from the 2013 binational seminar. Chair Minto, introduced this item. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. REPORTS (5 through 10) 5. SUBREGIONAL REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS (INFORMATION) Members of the Borders Committee reported issues and activities within their subregion that are of interest or under the purview of the Committee. Chair Minto introduced this item and announced that no reports were provided. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 7. UPDATE FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBAL CHAIRMEN'S ASSOCIATION (INFORMATION) Chairman Mark Romero, representative of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association (SCTCA) on the Borders Committee, briefed the members on issues and activities affecting tribal nations in the region and the state, including the creation on June 26, 2013, of the White House Council on Native American Affairs, and updates on SCTCA and SANDAG development of a Tribal Consultation Plan for San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan. Chair Minto introduced the item and speaker. Chairman Mark Romero (SCTCA) presented the item and responded to questions. 2

7 Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 6. REPORT FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO (INFORMATION) moved item The Office of the Consul General of México in San Diego contributes to the Borders Committee dialogue by providing periodic reports on binational activities within the purview of the Committee. This report highlighted the Joint Statement between the United States and Mexico released during the visit of President Barack Obama to Mexico in May Chair Minto introduced this item and speaker. Deputy Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Hon. Francisco Javier Olavarria, spoke on behalf of Hon. Remedios Gómez-Arnau, and presented the item and responded to questions. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 8. BORDER HEALTH EQUITY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (INFORMATION) The SANDAG Border Health Equity Study, recently funded through a Caltrans planning grant, was initiated in February It proposes to study the health impacts and unique challenges as they relate to mobility in the San Ysidro community. The report provided an overview of the scope of work and project deliverables. Chair Minto introduced the item and speaker. Mayor Teresa Barth, City of Escondido (North County Coastal), commented on this item. Mayor Barth asked how the findings from the studies will be used in future planning efforts. Ed Gallo, Councilmember, City of Escondido (North County Inland), commented on this item and inquired, as we cannot reconfigure the freeways or the port of entry, what would be ultimate goal of the study related to the built environment. Elisa Arias, Principal Regional Planner (SANDAG), commented on the item and added that the Caltrans planning grants and the findings of the studies could also serve and benefit other border areas such as Imperial County. Tomas Oliva (SCAG) and Chair Minto further commented on the benefits of the proposed study to particular communities and which health aspects are identified to get the community involved. Chair Minto suggested considering how to promote healthy behaviors. Vice Chair Greg Cox, Chairman (County of San Diego), suggested to consider major issues that are currently being discussed at the Community Plan Update level. One such issue is addressing the limited bicycle facilities that exist in the community, and the need for a connection to the Bayshore Bikeway. Laurie Gartrell, Regional Planner (SANDAG), and Dr. Sherry Ryan, PhD, Planner (Chen Ryan Associates), presented the item and responded to questions. 3

8 Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 9. MEXICO'S EL CHAPARRAL-PUERTA MÉXICO-PUERTA MÉXICO ESTE PORT OF ENTRY SYSTEM IN TIJUANA (INFORMATION) This presentation provided an overview of Mexico's Bicentennial Port of Entry System expansion project (including El Chaparral, Puerta México, and Puerta México Este) and plans for multimodal transportation facilities. This Port of Entry connects to the San Ysidro border crossing and the planned reconfiguration to Virginia Avenue. Chair Minto introduced the item and speaker. Ed Gallo, Councilmember, City of Escondido (North County Inland), commented on this item and inquired about the project location. Elsa Saxod (San Diego County Water Authority) and Committee on Binational Regional Opportunities (COBRO), commented on this item and recommended that the Committee take action on the border infrastructure and funding, and encouraged discussion of this matter further at a future meeting. Supervisor John Renison (Imperial County) commented on this item, and supported Ms. Saxod s recommendation for the Committee to look into further research the border infrastructure. Councilmember Al Ovrom, City of Coronado (South County), spoke on the status of GSA s plans and try to match both plans. Gabriela Johnston, Resident of Colonia Federal, City of Tijuana (member of public), spoke on various aspects of El Chaparral expansion project and expressed the need to include green areas to decrease pollutants and contamination in the neighborhood. Daniel Gómez-Patiño, Resident of Colonia Federal, City of Tijuana (member of public), spoke in support of this project. He also commented on the vast concrete areas of El Chaparral and the lack of green areas and encouraged SIDUE to add green areas. Carlos Lopez, Planning Director, on behalf of Sergio Montes, State of Baja California, presented the item and responded to questions. Hector Vanegas, Borders Program Manager (SANDAG), provided translation and assisted Director Lopez with presenting this item. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 10. FIFTEENTH REPORT OF THE GOOD NEIGHBOR ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD (GNEB) TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: THE ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND HEALTH STATUS OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE U.S. - MEXICO BORDER REGION (INFORMATION) The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) requested that the GNEB 15th annual report review the status of water resources and provided recommendations for solutions that will also help address challenges created where river systems and ground water basins span the international border and where water demand continues to grow. 4

9 Chair Minto introduced the item and speaker. Mike Vizzier, San Diego County Environmental Health Department, presented the item and responded to questions. Action: This item was presented for information purposes only. 11. UPCOMING MEETINGS (INFORMATION) The next meeting of the Borders Committee is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2013, at 12:30 p.m. Chair Minto made an announcement to the Committee that Ron Saenz, Associate Regional Planner (SANDAG), will be leaving SANDAG on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, and thanked Mr. Saenz for his assistance with the Committee throughout the almost nine years of service at SANDAG. 12. ADJOURNMENT Chair Minto adjourned the meeting at 1:57 p.m. Attachment: Attendance Sheet 5

10 CONFIRMED ATTENDANCE JUNE 28, :30 to 2:30 p.m. Meeting Start Time: 12:36 p.m. Meeting Adjourned Time: 1:57 p.m. GEOGRAPHICAL AREA/ ORGANIZATION JURISDICTION NAME MEMBER/ ALTERNATE ATTENDING South County North County Coastal North County Inland East County City of San Diego County of San Diego Imperial County City of Coronado Al Ovrom Member Yes City of Chula Vista Rudy Ramirez Alternate No City of Encinitas Teresa Barth Member Yes City of Carlsbad Lorraine Wood Alternate No City of Escondido Ed Gallo Member Yes City of Poway Jim Cunningham Alternate No City of Santee John Minto (Chair) Member Yes City of La Mesa Ruth Sterling Alternate Yes ---- David Alvarez Member No ---- Mark Kersey Alternate Yes ---- Greg Cox (Vice Chair) Member Yes ---- Dave Roberts Alternate No Imperial County John Renison Member Yes City of Calexico Bill Hodge Alternate No Dr. Paul Ganster Member Yes COBRO County of Riverside Republic of Mexico Southern California Tribal Chairmen s Association Vacant Alternate Vacant Alternate --- WRCOG Western Water Board S.R. Al Lopez Member No City of Lake Elsinore Brian Tisdale Alternate Yes Consul General of Remedios Gómez- México Arnau Member No Deputy Consul General Francisco Javier of Mexico Olavarria Alternate Yes Deputy Consul General of Mexico Alberto Diaz Alternate No Mesa Grande Mark Romero Member Yes Jamul Raymond Hunter Sr. Alternate No 6

11 Caltrans San Diego County Water Authority Laurie Berman Member Yes Bill Figge Alternate Yes Farrah Douglas Member No Elsa Saxod Alternate Yes Rich Macias Member No SCAG Mathew Gleason Alternate No County of Orange Coast Mesa Sanitary District Jim Ferryman Member Yes County of Orange Jim Dahl Alternate No 7

12 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 3 Action Requested: INFORMATION RECENT SANDAG EFFORTS TO SUPPORT File Number BORDER TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Introduction San Diego and the State of Baja California are connected through three ports of entry (POE), San Ysidro Puerta México, Otay Mesa Mesa de Otay, and Tecate Tecate, and all of them are working at or beyond their capacity and/or are under construction to improve operations. In particular, the San Ysidro POE, known for being the busiest international land border crossing in the world, started a reconfiguration and expansion project in 2009 that should be completed when full funding for all phases is allocated. Phase 1 of this project is anticipated to be finalized in September This report summarizes recent actions and efforts to address needs to improve the region s border-crossing capacity and projects to enhance crossborder mobility. Discussion Policies and the SANDAG Legislative Program The SANDAG Legislative Program is approved by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The program includes the agency's legislative policies and sets priorities for possible federal and state legislation and local activities for the calendar year. Additionally, SANDAG staff worked with the Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein to include a section in the recently passed Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill that would create a grant program to improve the transportation infrastructure at existing and new international border crossings (Attachment 1). Staff also is working with the offices of the San Diego Congressional delegation to reflect and detail this section in the House Bill. Resolution In May 2012, the Borders Committee received a report on a public-private partnership strategy being developed in Imperial County to pursue funding for the Calexico West POE expansion project. The Committee discussed this model and made a recommendation to the Board of Directors. On December 21, 2012, the Board approved Resolution No (Attachment 2) requesting that various federal agencies, specifically, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. General Services Administration, consider joint efforts with local governments and private industry to finance and build new border crossing infrastructure.

13 Subsequent efforts included working with the office of Assemblymember Ben Hueso for the preparation of the Joint Resolution in the State Assembly (AJR 4) calling upon the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. General Services Administration, to provide the necessary funding for improvements at the San Ysidro and Calexico Land POEs. The AJR 4 was filed with the Secretary of State on May 1, 2013 (Attachment 3). Future Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and State Route 11 SANDAG and Caltrans, along with a number of key local, state, and federal agencies in the United States and Mexico are executing an aggressive plan to self-finance a new border crossing in the San Diego-Baja California region. Annually, $54 billion worth of goods move across the region's borders, and crossing delays regularly exceed two hours. To sustain vibrant and effective commercial cross border activities, this diverse group of partners is creating a new POE and connecting state highway. The State Route 11 (SR 11)/Otay Mesa East POE project reached an important milestone in September 2012 when the Record of Decision (ROD) was issued by the Federal Highway Administration for the project s Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report clearing the way for the project to proceed to construction once other necessary studies are completed and project funding is secured. Segment 1 design was recently completed in June Caltrans also is moving forward with the appraisals of right-of-way needed for the acquisition process for Segment 1 of the project. Right-ofway certification is ongoing and the award of a construction contract is anticipated in late fall Additionally, a Traffic & Revenue Study for the toll facility must be developed as part of the project. This study, expected to be complete in late 2013, will provide an estimate of the revenuegenerating capacity of the project, providing extensive data to the investment community detailing the financial feasibility of the project. San Ysidro Port of Entry Reconfiguration and Expansion Project The San Ysidro POE handles an average of 50,000 vehicles and 25,000 northbound pedestrians crossing each day. Currently the San Ysidro POE is undergoing a major expansion project, divided in three phases, to expand its capacity by increasing the number of northbound automobile and pedestrian inspection booths and operating bi-directional pedestrian facilities at both east and west ends of the POE. Most recently, on May 29, 2013, 17 cities and the County of the San Diego sent a letter to the San Diego Congressional and Senate delegation requesting funding to be included in the Administration s FY 2014 federal budget proposal for phase III construction and to complete the overall expansion and reconfiguration project (Attachment 4). President Barack Obama's proposed budget for FY 2014 included $226 million for the San Ysidro POE reconfiguration and expansion project. 2

14 San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center Study The Borders Committee has received updates on the plans to redesign and expand the San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center (SYITC), which currently supports more than 22,000 daily transit arrivals and departures. The San Diego Trolley and local buses provide public transit access to and from the border station. The SYITC Planning Study is being developed by SANDAG and the City of San Diego in partnership with Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), other agencies, and community members to make the SYITC a welcoming gateway to California that complements the border crossing improvements underway in the San Ysidro area. Virginia Avenue Intermodal Transportation Center Concept As part of the San Ysidro POE expansion project, in September 2012, the southbound pedestrian crossing was relocated to the eastern side of the POE, while an additional future new bi-directional pedestrian crossing facility is built at Virginia Avenue. SANDAG, Caltrans, the City of San Diego, and MTS developed alternatives and presented a concept to the U.S. General Services Administration for a new Intermodal Transportation Center that would be located at Virginia Avenue. San Ysidro Freight Rail Yard Improvement Project This project will replace aging rail infrastructure, expand, and reconfigure the facility s existing footprint to increase freight capacity and efficiency. The improvements will provide more opportunities for cargo transfer and eliminate some truck trips on freeways in the region. This project will construct two new track extensions and reconfigure the tracks within the rail yard to provide additional storage capacity and the ability to switch rail cars outside of the constrained operating windows without interrupting the San Diego Trolley service operated by MTS. The project also will improve access and circulation by building a new truck access road; a new one-way, entrance-only driveway on East Beyer Boulevard; and more offloading areas within the rail yard. Additionally, the project will include drainage improvements to alleviate flooding and sediment build-up. Pre-construction work on the project site started in early Construction is expected to get underway in late-2013, with the project finishing by the end of South Bay Bus Rapid Transit The South Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project will offer passengers high-quality transit that is fast, frequent, and comfortable. The South Bay BRT will serve the Otay Mesa POE, and major activity centers in downtown San Diego and the South Bay, including offices, shopping, recreational facilities, residential communities, and park-and-ride lots. The project will provide new upgraded vehicles and enhanced stations resulting in a premium transit service. The 12 stations architectural design will reflect the surrounding community s character. The South Bay BRT is expected to begin service in mid

15 SANDAG Annual Binational Event As every year since 1997, SANDAG organized a binational event on June 4, 2013, to address competitiveness and sustainability on the border within the framework of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 30th anniversary of the signing of the La Paz Agreement. The Committee on Binational Regional Opportunities (COBRO) is tasked to support the preparation and organization of this annual event. The purpose of the event was to bring stakeholders together from both sides of the border, to address these issues, seek out solutions, and identify opportunities. Outcomes from the annual event will be discussed by COBRO and presented to the Borders Committee and the SANDAG Board of Directors as possible recommendations for follow up actions. CHARLES MUGGS STOLL Director of Land Use and Transportation Planning Attachments: 1. Senator Feinstein s Amendment to S.744 Establishing a Grant Program to Improve Transportation Infrastructure at Existing and New International Border Crossings 2. SANDAG Resolution No AJR 4 Assembly Joint Resolution Relative to the United States Mexico Border 4. SANDAG Letter Dated May 29, 2013, Expressing Regional Support for Funding Included in the Administration s 2014 Federal Budget Proposal for the San Ysidro Port of Entry Key Staff Contact: Hector Vanegas, (619) , hector.vanegas@sandag.org 4

16

17

18 7

19 8

20 Bill Text - AJR-4 The United States-Mexico border. Attachment 3 AJR-4 The United States-Mexico border.( ) Assembly Joint Resolution No. 4 CHAPTER 24 Relative to the United States-Mexico border. [ Filed Secretary of State May 01, ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AJR 4, Hueso. The United States-Mexico border. This measure would urge the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration, to fund necessary improvements at the San Ysidro, Calexico, and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry. Fiscal Committee: NO WHEREAS, The United States, Canada, and Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993 to foster trade among the countries, and improve global competitiveness; and WHEREAS, Trade between the United States and Mexico has more than quintupled since the implementation of NAFTA, totaling $500 billion in bilateral trade in 2011; and WHEREAS, Mexico continues to be California s number one export market with $25.8 billion in goods exported to Mexico in 2011, accounting for 16 percent of all California exports; and WHEREAS, Ninety-nine percent of trade between California and Mexico is carried by trucks; and WHEREAS, The SANDAG 2050 Comprehensive Freight Gateway Study projects that the nearly two million trucks that crossed the California-Mexico border in 2007 will increase to nearly five million trucks in In 2011, over $33.5 billion in goods moved between Mexico and the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and at the Tecate Port of Entry; and WHEREAS, The San Diego and Imperial Counties border traffic congestion and delays cost the U.S. and Mexican economies an estimated $8.63 billion in gross output and more than 73,900 jobs in 2007; and WHEREAS, New land port of entry and improvement projects are under federal jurisdiction with significant influence over local communities; and WHEREAS, The San Ysidro-Puerta Mexico Land Port of Entry is the busiest port of entry between the United States and Mexico and is undergoing a major reconfiguration and expansion project; and WHEREAS, The Otay Mesa-Mesa de Otay Land Port of Entry has plans for the expansion and modernization of passenger and commercial inspection facilities; and WHEREAS, The Calexico West Port of Entry also has plans to renovate and 9 (1 of 2) [7/17/2013 8:48:09 AM]

21 Bill Text - AJR-4 The United States-Mexico border. expand the facility to process and expand its operation for pedestrians and automobiles; and WHEREAS, The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies is essential for the development of border infrastructure projects and security; and WHEREAS, The General Accountability Office and the Department of Homeland Security estimate that $6 billion in border infrastructure is needed to fulfill their mission of preventing unlawful entry and smuggling while facilitating legitimate trade and tourism; and WHEREAS, The need for improved border capacity and efficiency comes at a time when traditional federal funding is scarce and increasingly difficult to obtain; and WHEREAS, Since February 2009, Congress and the Obama administration have not funded border infrastructure projects; and WHEREAS, The San Ysidro project has a stated funding gap of $285 million, the Calexico project needs $318 million to complete construction, and the Otay Mesa project requires $161 million for completion; and WHEREAS, Various agencies of the United States, including the Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration, should work with Congress to provide funding to support these border infrastructure investments; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration, to fund necessary improvements at the San Ysidro, Calexico, and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States. (2 of 2) [7/17/2013 8:48:09 AM] 10

22 Attachment 4 May 29, 2013 File Number The Honorable Dianne Feinstein U.S. Senate 331 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC Dear Senator Feinstein: SUBJECT: Regional Support for Funding Included in the Administration s FY 2014 Federal Budget Proposal for the San Ysidro Port of Entry We are writing in support of the Administration's FY 2014 Federal Budget Proposal which includes funding for the San Ysidro Port of Entry (POE). Specifically, the Administration has proposed to provide $226 million for the San Ysidro Reconfiguration Project from the General Services Administration Federal Buildings Account. The proposed funding would construct Phase 3 of the project and provide funds for additional site acquisition necessary to complete the overall expansion and reconfiguration project. The current San Ysidro Land Port of Entry facility was constructed in the 1970s to meet the needs and projected growth of the time. Nearly forty-five years later, this port of entry has reached its adequate operational capacity. The Government Accountability Office and the Department of Homeland Security estimate that $6 billion in border infrastructure and technology funds are needed to maintain the nation's POEs. SANDAG studies have shown that the impact of border wait times on the regional and national economies is substantial. The proposed FY 2014 appropriation is critical to the completion of the overall San Ysidro Expansion and Reconfiguration Project. To date the project has received $298 million, fully funding Phase 1 of the project, which is expected to be completed by September If no other funds are allocated in FY 2014 for the San Ysidro POE, the project could incur significant delays and cost increases associated with an incomplete project. We thank you for your leadership and urge you to support the President's FY 2014 Budget request to provide $226 million for the San Ysidro POE. Sincerely, HON. BOB FILNER Mayor, City of San Diego 11

23 12

24 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 4 Action Requested: INFORMATION JULY 7, 2013, STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA File Number Introduction On July 7, 2013, the State of Baja California held elections to elect the Governor, Mayors and Local Representatives (Deputies). The new Governor of Baja California will be sworn in on November 1, 2013, for a term of office, while the Mayors of the five municipalities and 17 of the 25 Deputies are elected for a three-year term (the other eight Deputies are elected by proportional formula depending on the results by parties.) Discussion The State of Baja California, which extends along the peninsula south of the international border with the U.S., has a surface of 70,113 km 2 (27,071 mi 2 ), and is divided into five municipalities: Ensenada, Mexicali (State Capital), Playas de Rosarito, Tecate, and Tijuana. According to the latest National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística Geografía e Informática, or INEGI) data, in 2010, Baja California had an estimated population of 3,155,070. The Mexican Constitution of 1917 prohibits consecutive reelections at all levels. Similar to the President of Mexico and federal senators, state governors are elected for six-year terms; while federal deputies (the equivalent of United States Congressional representatives), mayors, city councilmembers, and state legislators serve three-year terms. In Baja California, the elections are organized by the Electoral and Public Participation Institute (Instituto Electoral y de Participación Ciudadana de Baja California or IEPC), an autonomous public organization that is independent in its decision-making and administration, which among other responsibilities, includes managing electoral results and providing official evidence for election winners. For this year s elections, nine political parties, including two coalitions, registered candidates for the gubernatorial race. The majority of votes were for the two coalitions: the Coalition Unidos por Baja California, formed by the National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional or PAN), the State of Baja California Party (Partido Estatal de Baja California or PBC), the Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolución Democrática or PRD), and the New Alliance Party (Partido Nueva Alianza or PANAL), and the Coalition Compromiso por Baja California, formed by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional or PRI), the Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo or PT), the Green Party of Mexico (Partido Verde Ecologista Mexicano or PVEM),

25 and the Social Encounter Party (Partido Encuentro Social or PES), while the Citizens Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano or MC) competed alone. With an election turnout of over 815,172 voters, or 39.4 percent of a total 2,410,573 registered voters, tallying indicated that the Coalition Unidos por Baja California (PAN, PBC, PRD, PANAL) won the Gubernatorial race in Baja California with 442,872 votes, followed by the Coalition Compromiso por Baja California (PRI, PT, PVEM, PES) with 417,909; and Movimiento Ciudadano with 40,089. With these results, Francisco Kiko Vega de la Madrid will become Governor Elect and will be sworn-in as Governor of Baja California on November 1, At a municipal level, the Coalition Unidos por Baja California (PAN, PBC, PRD, PANAL) won the State Capital Mexicali and the municipality of Playas de Rosarito, while the Coalition Compromiso por Baja California (PRI, PT, PVEM, PES) kept the municipalities of Ensenada, Tecate, and Tijuana. Mayors Elect are listed below: Gilberto Hirata-Chico Ensenada Jaime Díaz-Ochoa Mexicali Silvano Abarca-Mackils Playas de Rosarito César Moreno-González Tecate Jorge Astiazarán-Orci - Tijuana The State Congress of Local Representatives or Deputies will be formed as follows: PRI Four representatives, plus three by proportional representation PAN Five representatives, plus two by proportional representation PEBC Two representatives PANAL Two representatives PEVM One representative PRD One representative PT One representative PES One representative On July 13, 2013, the IEPC concluded counting votes, and on July 16, 2013, the IEPC validated and ratified the election results. CHARLES MUGGS STOLL Director of Land Use and Transportation Planning Key Staff Contact: Hector Vanegas, (619) , hector.vanegas@sandag.org 2

26 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 6 Action Requested: INFORMATION REPORT FROM THE CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO File Number The Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Hon. Remedios Gómez-Arnau, contributes to the Borders Committee dialogue by providing periodic reports on binational activities within the purview of the Committee. This report highlights important aspects of the Mexico United States bilateral relationship. Attachment: 1. Statement to the Press on the Mexico United States Relationship. Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary José Antonio Meade, June 25, 2013 Key Staff Contact: Hector Vanegas, (619) , hector.vanegas@sandag.org

27 Attachment 1 STATEMENT TO THE PRESS ON THE MEXICO UNITED STATES RELATIONSHIP BY FOREIGN AFFAIRS SECRETARY JOSÉ ANTONIO MEADE Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Mexico City 016 Foreign Secretary José Antonio Meade: Good afternoon. The reason for this meeting is to comment on the recent developments of some important aspects of the Mexico United States bilateral relationship. President Enrique Peña Nieto s administration firmly believes that North America has all the elements to be an even more dynamic and competitive region. The President has said this himself on multiple occasions. Mexico is working actively with the United States Government, Congress and civil society on a broad multi-faceted agenda that benefits both countries. During President Obama s recent trip to Mexico, a High Level Economic Dialogue was announced to identify and address specific priorities that would strengthen our economic relationship. A Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research was also announced to develop a shared vision and make short- and medium-term recommendations on how to enhance educational exchanges between both countries. We also agreed to work in a comprehensive and coordinated manner with the Obama Administration on our common border to make it a more prosperous, secure, sustainable area that is favorable to development. We remain committed to taking steps to facilitate the safe transit of goods and people and to supporting regional development. Together, both governments will enforce the law in an increasingly effective fashion. Since the start of the legislative process on immigration was announced, the Mexican Government has engaged in an ongoing, purposeful dialogue with all of the actors involved. The Government of Mexico is convinced that this reform can benefit the several million Mexican immigrants who with their hard work contribute to the development of the United States on a daily basis, as President Obama said on his recent visit to our country. Mexico s embassy and consulates in the United States have always been ready to protect and defend the human and workers rights of our fellow countrymen. Information on the current immigration situation has been provided and our diplomatic offices have been strengthened. We have emphasized the importance of the human dimension of immigration. 2

28 At this point in the legislative process, our country has informed the United States Government that measures which could affect the ties between our communities distance us from the principles of shared responsibility and good neighborliness that both nations have decided to encourage. Mexico believes that our public policies should be coordinated and should acknowledge the importance of the border for competitiveness, job creation and the social welfare of the two countries. Border crossings must be modernized. It is vitally important to improve their infrastructure and management. This is the type of priorities to which it is most important to channel resources. We are convinced that fences do not unite. Fences are not the answer to immigration and are not consistent with a modern and secure border. They do not contribute to the development of the competitive region that both countries want to promote. More and more, the border has become a place of prosperity and regional competitiveness. The population of the border municipalities and counties totals about 14 million inhabitants. Taken together, the ten border states would be the fourth-largest economy in the world. Seventy percent of bilateral trade crosses the border. This contributes to a million dollars a minute in bilateral trade, and to more than a million border crossings by individuals each day. This trade and these border crossings have been a source of shared prosperity for our countries. For Mexico, the development and modernization of the border will continue to be priorities, as will be a more modern, stable and humane immigration system. Thank you. 3

29 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 8 Action Requested: DISCUSSION SAN YSIDRO INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER STUDY File Number DRAFT DESIGN CONCEPTS Introduction SANDAG and the City of San Diego, in collaboration with Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and the community, are conducting a study to identify a multimodal concept for an Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) in the vicinity of the San Ysidro Port of Entry (POE). The study also will prepare a financial feasibility analysis to identify strategies for creation of the San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center (SYITC). The purpose of the study is to produce a mobility and economic/fiscal feasibility analysis for a SYITC concept for evaluation and consideration as part of the comprehensive San Ysidro Community Plan update process. The study includes a demand and supply analysis for off-street parking facilities associated with the ITC concept, and an analysis of complementary on-site retail, commercial, and institutional uses that could enhance the SYITC as a community amenity, and generate revenue toward its construction. A team of consultants has been selected to help envision and provide the technical tools needed to develop a SYITC concept that will serve as a gateway to the world s busiest POE. The last of several reports provided to the Borders Committee focused on the on-going study efforts was on April 26, This report seeks the Border Committee s input on two draft design concepts that have been developed for the project. Progress on Study Efforts The SYITC Study started in October 2012 and there have been three public workshops to date. The workshops have been publicized by San Diego and Tijuana media, postcard mailings, , SANDAG and partner agency websites, via social media and through local community organizations. Meeting information also was posted on MTS buses serving the San Ysidro POE and at ticket vending machines at the San Ysidro Trolley station. Simultaneous Spanish translation was provided and meeting materials were available in English and Spanish. The project webpage (sandag.org/syitc) includes information on the study and outreach efforts, an online survey and comment tool, and materials from the public meetings. The work efforts over the past months have focused on a review of past and on-going studies; preparing a commercial market study; creating off-street parking projections; and gathering input on the needs and vision for a future SYITC from the community, local business leaders, transportation providers, border crossers, and other stakeholders.

30 Public Outreach The third public workshop was held on July 10, 2013, at 6 p.m., at the Colonel Irving Salomon Community Activity Center in San Ysidro, in conjunction with the San Ysidro Community Plan Update Advisory Committee. The meeting featured a presentation on community outreach efforts to date and the two draft San Ysidro ITC concepts. Meeting participants were asked to complete a scorecard stating their preferences on various transportation and design components of the alternatives. Attendees also provided public comments and participated in a sticker exercise where different colored stars were placed on posters of the ITC concepts to indicate elements that participants liked or would wish to see changed. Approximately 50 members of the public attended. Simultaneous Spanish translation was provided during the presentations, Spanish speaking staff were on-hand to answer questions, and meeting materials also were available in English and Spanish. SANDAG staff also has partnered with Casa Familiar to gather community input on the SYITC Study. At the July 11, 2013, Casa Familiar Sin Límites workshop, SANDAG staff presented the two draft ITC concepts and gathered community input through public comments, a preference scorecard, and sticker activity. The meeting presentation was conducted in Spanish and meeting materials were available in English and Spanish and approximately 55 members of the public participated in the workshop. In addition, in early May the consultant team conducted an intercept survey of over 400 northbound pedestrian border crossers to gather demographic data, reasons for crossing, use of public transportation, and their input on elements preferred in a future San Ysidro ITC. Draft Design Concepts Input was gathered via the public workshops, San Ysidro High School outreach, and surveys, was considered in conjunction with the commercial market study, off-street parking projections, San Ysidro Community Plan Update, and existing and projected transit ridership and border crossing data. Two draft design concepts were developed which incorporate the Trolley, MTS buses, private buses, jitneys, taxis, personal vehicle drop-off and pick-up facilities, and paid parking; in conjunction with commercial development. Retail, office, hotel, and institutional/government space is included in line with the study s market analysis, and additional opportunities for increased private development also are identified. Both alternatives include a public plaza, landscaping, and public art and look to develop a welcoming gateway to the region and link the ITC to the greater San Ysidro community to the north. The transportation functions and commercial development square footage are the same within the two alternatives; however, the siting of these various components differs. Option 1 keeps the Trolley in approximately its current location, but expands the facility to include a third platform and longer platforms to accommodate four-car trains. In Option 2, the Trolley is moved further east and the private and MTS bus facilities are located underground, below the Trolley station. Both concepts could be constructed in phases and would likely require significant private investment. 2

31 Next Steps Comments on the two alternatives are being sought through August 13, The consultant team will compile all public comments and prepare a technical analysis of the two alternatives. The results of this analysis will be presented to the SANDAG Transportation Committee and Board of Directors in September. The Board of Directors will be asked to select a preferred ITC concept for which a cost estimate and phasing plan will be developed. The study also will develop a strategy for implementing the preferred SYITC concept and off-street parking resources. The study is expected to conclude in spring CHARLES MUGGS STOLL Director of Land Use and Transportation Planning Attachment: 1. Draft San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center Study Design Concepts Key Staff Contact: Rachel Kennedy, (619) , rachel.kennedy@sandag.org 3

32 Option 1 Attachment 1 4

33 Option 1 5

34 Option 1 6

35 Option 2 7

36 Option 2 8

37 Option 2 9

38 San Diego Association of Governments BORDERS COMMITTEE July 26, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO.: 10 Action Requested: INFORMATION THE STATE OF THE BORDER REPORT File Number The State of the Border Report is an initiative of the Border Research Partnership (BRP). The BRP is comprised of Arizona State University s North American Center for Transborder Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center s Mexico Institute. This report provides a comprehensive look at the state of affairs in the management of the U.S.-Mexico border and the border region, focusing on four core areas: trade and competitiveness, security, sustainability, and quality of life. The report suggests that rather than consider each issue individually, the interdependent nature of topics like trade and security demand the border be approached from a more holistic perspective. Included in Attachment 1 are highlights from the report and some conclusions. CHARLES MUGGS STOLL Director of Land Use and Transportation Planning Attachment: 1. Highlights and Conclusions of the State of the Border Report, Border Research Partnership, May Key Staff Contact: Hector Vanegas, (619) , hector.vanegas@sandag.org

39 Attachment 1 The State of the Border Report A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 2

40 The State of the Border Report A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border Editors: Christopher E. Wilson and Erik Lee Authors: Erik Lee, Christopher E. Wilson, Francisco Lara-Valencia, Carlos A. de la Parra, Rick Van Schoik, Kristofer Patron-Soberano, Eric L. Olson, Andrew Selee May, 2013 Border Research Partnership 3

41 Highlights from the REPORT On Competitiveness: Well over a billion dollars worth of goods cross the border each day. Long and unpredictable wait times at the border ports of entry are costing the United States and Mexican economies many billions of dollars each year. Trusted traveler and shipper programs (SENTRI, FAST, C-TPAT) allow vetted, low-risk individuals and shipments expedited passage across the border. Improving these programs and significantly expanding enrollment could increase border efficiency with minimal investments in infrastructure and staffing all while strengthening security by giving border officials more time to focus on unknown and potentially dangerous individuals and shipments. On Security: The more the two governments can push key security processes away from the border, the better, as an overconcentration of resources at the border (and particularly between the ports of entry) has the potential to distract from a more strategic distribution of security resources throughout the U.S., Mexico and beyond. While it is difficult to predict future flows of migrants, we seem to be at or past a point of diminishing returns in terms of improving border security through increases in Border Patrol staffing. 1 The State of the Border Report 4

42 On Sustainability: For more than a century, shared surface water resources have been managed according to bilateral treaties and agreements. The growing population of the border region and the advent of water intensive methods of drilling for oil and gas heighten the urgency for transboundary groundwater resources to be addressed proactively and binationally. Data sharing regarding subsurface water would be a natural place to start. The La Paz agreement and the environmental institutions formed alongside NAFTA have focused U.S.-Mexico environmental cooperation on managing pollution in the border region. In order to promote the development of vibrant and sustainable communities, much more emphasis must be put on shared resource management. The potential for renewable energy in the border region is significant. Inadequate transmission infrastructure and limited incentives for renewable generation projects currently limit its development. On Quality of Life: The overall quality of life on both the U.S. and Mexican sides of the border region improved between 2000 and Though there is still a major cross-border asymmetry in many of the quality of life indicators, the quality of life gap between U.S. and Mexican border communities decreased slightly between 2000 and Lasting progress in improving quality of life can only result from the combination of independent national policies and binational efforts. Through complementary development strategies, the investments of each country can be mutually reinforcing, creating a virtuous cycle of development and raising living standards. A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 5 2

43 Conclusion Andrew Selee Millions of Mexicans and Americans live in the U.S.-Mexico transborder region, but the importance of this region to the economies of both countries goes far beyond its size and population. Not only has the border region become an area of joint economic production for the two countries, but billions of dollars of goods pass through it, connecting the two countries in one of the densest and most vibrant corridors for their economic fortunes. Christopher Wilson has found that approximately six million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Mexico, and these are not only in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, but also in Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and almost every state in the union. 1 The economic impact is even greater for Mexico. The security challenges that the two countries face are also disproportionately concentrated in this region. Over the past decade Mexico has seen a rise in organized crime violence as criminal groups have fought over access to the border region as a way of moving illegal narcotics north, and bringing their profits from sales to U.S. consumers, along with sophisticated weapons and ammunition, back across the border to Mexico. While violence has actually dropped slightly in U.S. border communities over the past decade, 2 U.S. policymakers have recognized a shared responsibility for the security situation in Mexico and worried about how to protect the shared border against threats from use by terrorist groups in other parts of the world. 3 Finally, border communities themselves share unique challenges to manage natural resources since ecosystems that cross international boundaries without A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 6 150

44 regards to legal jurisdiction require joint problem-solving. Quality of life issues from healthcare to education to culture also often extend beyond the formal boundaries that separate the two countries. How the two countries address these issues whether managing water, addressing pollution or educating the next generation of border residents has enormous impacts in both countries far beyond the border region itself. The greatest of these challenges is how to match the inherent creativity and problem-solving ability of local communities that deal with each other day-in and day-out as part of larger regional systems with the reality of an international border which imposes different legal systems, institutions, and laws, and which requires that much regional decision-making be filtered through Washington, DC and Mexico City. The border itself is extremely diverse, as Francisco Lara notes, and even the definition of the border region is subject to multiple definitions. For practical purposes, the border is far more than just the communities that lie along the international boundary, but rather the geographic area that is linked though supply chains, transborder tourism, trade, and dense family networks. In many ways, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Monterrey, for example, are as much part of the border region as many cities and towns that lie on the border itself. These communities vary greatly in economic development, cultural heritage, and regional histories. On the face of it, there appears to be little similar between San Diego, California and Douglas, Arizona or Tijuana, Baja California and Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila. Yet the international line that divides Mexico and the United States does impose some common characteristics and, even more importantly, common challenges, on border cities. The greatest of these challenges is how to match the inherent creativity and problem-solving ability of local communities that deal with each other day-in and day-out as part of larger regional systems with the reality of an international border which imposes different legal systems, in- 151 The State of the Border Report 7

45 stitutions, and laws, and which requires that much regional decision-making be filtered through Washington, DC and Mexico City. This report details both the difficulties and the opportunities available to border communities as they deal with this duality, and it proposes a series of ways forward that we believe can improve the future of both countries. In many cases, border residents themselves are leading the way on solving local problems, 4 but the international nature of the border requires that policymakers in the capitals of both countries support and facilitate these efforts. One of the most important challenges is how to get the greatest economic benefit for both countries from the border region so that it both improves living standards in the region and serves as a spark for the economies as a whole between the two countries. Erik Lee and Christopher Wilson find that even modest investments in border infrastructure and creative efforts to manage points of entry more efficiently can produce substantial economic gains to both the border region and to the national economies in both countries. Current efforts to develop master plans for infrastructure investment in four sectors along the border, following the successful effort between California and Baja California, are a good starting place, and can lead to synergies between local, state, and federal authorities and between the private and public sectors. Investments in several ports of entry to date have been extremely helpful, although many of these projects are still underway, and there have been a few creative public/private ventures that suggest that there may be new ways of harnessing synergies between economic interests and the public good to improve border infrastructure. Some of the most exciting possibilities to improve crossing times at the border and stimulate economic exchange may lie in creative approaches to risk management, which One of the most important challenges is how to get the greatest economic benefit for both countries from the border region so that it both improves living standards in the region and serves as a spark for the economies as a whole between the two countries. A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 8 152

46 can also help improve security at the border. The expansion of trusted traveler programs for both cars and trucks has helped to segment flows that are more risky from those that are less so and can be controlled through background reviews and spot checks. Using new technologies, it may now be possible to move towards pre-inspection in some border ports, clearing shipments before they reach the border and tracking them on the way there, so as to decongest ports of entry themselves. While most of the attention in the United States (and, to a lesser extent, in Mexico) has been on investments in staffing between ports of entry, there is good reason to believe that greater attention to the ports themselves makes far more sense both for security concerns (see below) and to spur the economies in both countries. Security cooperation remains another very tangible challenge for border communities. From the optic of the communities themselves, this challenge is about promoting public security, dealing with violent crime and property crime, and, especially on the Mexican side, professionalizing the police, prosecutors, and courts. From the vantage point of those outside the border, the challenge is about restricting the operations of organized crime groups that use the border to traffic illegal narcotics, guns, and money and engage in human trafficking, as well as other extra-hemispheric groups that might take advantage of these existing smuggling routes to commit terrorist acts. Both the local public security challenges that communities face and the broader national security concerns about organized crime are interlinked and require new forms of cross-border cooperation. The sharing of intelligence between the national governments in Mexico and the United States on the movements of criminal organizations has led to several high profile arrests and the fragmentation of some groups, and day-to-day cooperation among front-line police officers and prosecutors in border states is also increasing in tandem with national efforts. These interactions sometimes take place through official channels, which have improved over time, and led to the placement of U.S. and Mexican agents in fusion centers in each other s country. Yet they also take place through informal relationships that allow police and prosecutors to share information quickly without going through the often lengthy formal channels of 153 The State of the Border Report 9

47 international notification that run through the capital cities. This is particularly true between municipal and state law enforcement agencies that have developed their own informal protocols and networks for passing sensitive information in a timely way to prevent and solve crimes. Eric Olson and Erik Lee argue that not only do the two countries need greater collaboration at the border, but they also might think of moving some law enforcement efforts away from the border itself. While border inspections provide a basic deterrent effect for smuggling, there are relatively few seizures at the border of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, which represent the overwhelming profit source of organized crime groups, or illegal money and weapons going south, which provide the lifeblood of the criminal groups. 5 These valuable commodities are trafficked primarily through ports of entry, where there has been comparatively less investment in staffing, Future efforts to slow the flow of hard drugs, weapons, or bulk cash should not focus exclusively on the border itself. Rather, it is investment in border ports combined with intelligence-based efforts away from the border that allow law enforcement agencies to discover and dismantle the trafficking operations at their origin. technology, and risk segmentation, while major infrastructure and personnel investments have been made in controlling the expanses between the ports, which are used primarily for immigrant smuggling and marijuana trafficking. However, future efforts to slow the flow of hard drugs, weapons, or bulk cash should not focus exclusively on the border itself. Rather, it is investment in border ports combined with intelligence-based efforts away from the border that allow law enforcement agencies to discover and dismantle the trafficking operations at their origin. On the Mexican side of the border, the renewal of criminal justice institutions remains one of the major challenges. There have been some positive developments in Chihuahua, Baja California, and Nuevo León on judicial reform, which 10 A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 154

48 should make the courts more transparent and efficient and lead to changes in policing and prosecution efforts. However, these efforts are still at an early stage. There have also been noticeable investments in reforming police bodies in these states that appear to have yielded results. Crime is down in each of these states as of this writing, 6 and especially in Baja California and Chihuahua. These institutional changes, while still insufficient, may have something to do with the progress in lowering crime rates. Better cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities, and shared intelligence across the border, have also played a significant role in containing the violence. Cross-border efforts to professionalize the criminal justice system from police in the streets to prosecutors, judges, and prisons remains a large area of opportunity for cooperation and mutual learning. Efforts to date to manage water have also been far more institutionalized than other parts of the relationship, and the existence of the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) provides technical expertise and real funding that can be invested in improving border communities environmental management. Managing natural resources provides yet another set of challenges for cross-border cooperation. The recent agreements between the two national governments to jointly manage the Big Bend area (2011) and to update binational management of the Colorado River watershed (2012) are landmark efforts to develop collaborative management strategies for shared natural resources. Efforts to date to manage water have also been far more institutionalized than other parts of the relationship, and the existence of the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) provides technical expertise and real funding The State of the Border Report

49 that can be invested in improving border communities environmental management. However, as Rick Van Schoik and Carlos de la Parra note, there is an urgent need to build on these existing efforts and to promote new ways of managing scarce resources. Some of the challenges, such as water conservation, also require unilateral measures in each country to change practices. One major opportunity in the border region is the development of renewable energy sources which can benefit communities on both sides of the border. Several Mexican municipalities are well-placed to produce wind and solar energy and perhaps even biofuels, which could both help lower electricity prices in Mexico and help meet new standards in some U.S. states for including renewable sources in electricity generation. To date, however, these efforts have been stymied by the lack of integration of the electrical grid and by regulatory issues that limit cross-border transmission. 7 Finally, border communities face numerous challenges -- and real opportunities -- for improving quality of life. These include everything from improving the quality of education to building effective healthcare systems to promoting a vibrant cultural life. Though it lies beyond the scope of this report, it is worth noting that the border region is the site of innumerable experiments in creative ways of bridging the divide between countries to solve problems and improve the quality of life on both sides of the border. Living near an international boundary often creates problems in addressing these day-to-day issues, by making it harder to have consistent responses in communities that lie next to each other across the line, but it also creates opportunities for creative cooperation and cross-fertilization. In two earlier works we have detailed some of the most exciting and innovative efforts at collaboration in these areas that have been taking place, and they remain an inspiration and a lesson in how the two countries can work together more effectively. 8 Many of the challenges that border communities face are no different than what others in their respective countries deal with: how to improve policing, protect the environment, and generate innovation and growth. The border, however, imposes limitations and creates a need for cooperative thinking on many of these issues. Bringing together stakeholders from the border with 12 A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 156

50 the federal governments of both countries is essential to improving the region s future, and many of the benefits will undoubtedly also accrue to Mexicans and Americans far beyond the border region. A more efficient border holds the promise of helping spur economic growth and create jobs in both countries both in the border region and far beyond. Improved public security, diminished criminal activity, and more secure flows across the border will enhance the well-being of citizens throughout both countries. And a wise management of natural resources will help us preserve the planet for the generations that come. These are challenges that border residents from the United States and Mexico must face together, but also that all citizens in our two countries must-face together. Endnotes 1 Duncan Wood, Project Summary: Re-Energizing The Border: Renewable Energy, Green Jobs, and Border Infrastructure (Washington: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 2012). 2 Rick Van Schoik, Erik Lee, Alejandro Figueroa, editors, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S.-Mexico Collaboration, (Tempe, AZ: Border Research Partnership/North American Center for Transborder Studies, September, 2012); Robert Donnelly, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S. Mexico Collaboration (Washington, DC: Border Research Partnership/ Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, January 2012). 3 Eric L. Olson, David A. Shirk, and Andrew Selee, editors, Shared Responsibility: U.S.-Mexico Policy Options for Confronting Organized Crime, (Washington, DC: Woodrow Wilson Center and University of San Diego Trans-Border Institute, 2010). 4 Rick Van Schoik, Erik Lee, Alejandro Figueroa, editors, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S.-Mexico Collaboration, (Tempe, AZ: Border Research Partnership/North American Center for Transborder Studies, September, 2012); Robert Donnelly, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S. Mexico Collaboration (Washington, DC: Border Research Partnership/ Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, January 2012). 5 Brittany M. Bond et. al., Reducing Drug Trafficking Revenues and Violence in Mexico: Would Legalizing Marijuana in California Help?, (Santa Monica; RAND Corporation, 2010, 6 Cory Molzahn, Octavio Rodriguez Ferreira, and David A. Shirk, Drug Violence in Mexico: Data and Analysis Through 2012 (San Diego: Trans-Border Institute, 2013) The State of the Border Report

51 7 Duncan Wood, Project Summary: Re-Energizing The Border: Renewable Energy, Green Jobs, and Border Infrastructure (Washington: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 2012). 8 Rick Van Schoik, Erik Lee, Alejandro Figueroa, editors, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S.-Mexico Collaboration, (Tempe, AZ: Border Research Partnership/North American Center for Transborder Studies, September, 2012); Robert Donnelly, Our Shared Border: Success Stories in U.S. Mexico Collaboration (Washington, DC: Border Research Partnership/ Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, January 2012). 14 A Comprehensive Analysis of the U.S.-Mexico Border 158

52 The State of the Border Report was made possible by 15

53 San Ysidro ITC Options San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center Study July Public Meetings Recap January 9 th meeting Defined the project Presented similar ITC projects Gained initial public input through visual preference survey and paper surveys March 13 th meeting Survey results summary Update on market assessment and parking forecasts Hands-on, interactive, creative input session 2 1

54 Other Public Outreach Efforts February 28 th and April 18 th public outreach at Sin Límites Workshop, Casa Familiar Initial public input through visual preference survey and paper surveys, Feb 28 th Hands-on, interactive, creative input session, April 18 th April 11 th public outreach at San Ysidro High School Hands-on interactive creative input session May 2013 pedestrian surveys (northbound) 3 Team #3 Concepts March 13 th Public Meeting Move Trolley east & put all transportation in one central area Significant mix of land uses Include parks and plazas 4 2

55 Team #6 Concepts March 13 th Public Meeting Attractive commercial draw with housing Separate & underground MTS and private buses Parking and retail over Trolley Keep Trolley in existing location 5 Team #7 Concepts March 13 th Public Meeting Move the Trolley north Underground MTS and private buses Pedestrian bridges/people movers Park over the freeway 6 3

56 Other Team Concepts Developed Mr. Aguirre s Concept Mr. Aguirre s concept - Presented at March 13 th public meeting and April Sin Límites Workshop Sin Límites Workshop - 5 team concepts developed Sin Límites Team Example San Ysidro High School Team Example San Ysidro High School - 5 classrooms with 16 team concepts developed 7 July Public Outreach July 10, 2013: San Ysidro Community Plan Update Advisory Committee July 11, 2013: Casa Familiar Sin Límites Workshop Presentation of draft concepts Public comments Preference survey Sticker activity 8 4

57 Option 1 San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center Study 9 Option

58 Option 1 continued 11 Option 1 continued 12 6

59 Option 1 continued 13 Option 1 continued 14 7

60 Option 1 continued 15 Option 2 San Ysidro Intermodal Transportation Center Study 16 8

61 Option 2 17 Option 2 continued 18 9

62 Option 2 continued 19 Option 2 continued 20 10

63 Option 2 continued 21 Option 2 continued 22 11

64 Option 2 continued 23 Next Efforts Technical evaluation of two alternatives Fall 2013: SANDAG Transportation Committee and Board of Directors Late 2013 preferred alternative and implementation plan Late 2013 public meeting to present preferred alternative Spring 2014 final report 24 12

65 naresearchpartnership.org About The North American Research Partnership is an independent, non profit think tank and network of analysts throughout North America that conduct strategic applied research and outreach on how the United States, Mexico and Canada can better position themselves for success in the 21st century. Issue areas: Trade and competitiveness Energy Sustainability Security Education/awareness/development 2 1

66 Why a new organization? The U.S., Mexico and Canada are each at a crossroads in the process of globalization. Citizens, the news media and policymakers need and often ask for a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of complex international issues. Our approach that emphasizes public policy and international relations in a non partisan fashion. We really do leverage key partnerships to produce better applied research. 3 Future research products State of the Border Report 2015 Realizing the Strategic National Value of our Trade, Tourism and Ports of Entry with Mexico Trilateral Border Symposium North America Next 2.0 In other words, we work with concepts such as informal diplomacy and smart power and we work to create new or additional policy space. 4 2

67 Key people and partners Board of Advisors Ambassador Hattie Babbitt, Attorney at Law; Chair, U.S. Water Partnership; former Ambassador to the Organization of American States Andy Carey, Executive Director, Border Philanthropy Partnership* Denise Ducheny, Former State Senator, California Assembly Pedro LaFarga, Senior Vice President, Mobile Entertainment, Sony Electronics Isidro Morales, Director, Tec de Monterrey School for Public Policy and Foreign Policy magazine, Mexico edition Ambassador John Maisto, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States, Nicaragua and Venezuela Silvia Núñez Garcia, Director, Center for the Research on North America, National Autonomous University of Mexico Colin Robertson, Vice President, Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute Andrew Selee, Vice President for Programs, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Diputado Federal Javier Treviño Cantú, Chamber of Deputies, Mexico Lisa Urias, President and CEO, Urias Communications Partner Organizations Bilateral Council Border Legislative Conference Border Research Partnership (NARP, Mexico Institute, COLEF) Center for Research on North America, National Autonomous University of Mexico Council of State Governments WEST Crossborder Group Mexico Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars New Policy Institute Fiscal agent: Border Philanthropy Partnership 5 Contact us Erik Lee, Executive Director, erik@naresearchpartnership.org Rick Van Schoik, Director, Energy and Sustainability Portfolios, rick@naresearchpartnership.org 6 3

68 Editors: Christopher E. Wilson and Erik Lee Authors: Erik Lee, Christopher E. Wilson, Francisco Lara Valencia, Carlos A. de la Parra, Rick Van Schoik, Kristofer Patrón Soberano, Eric L. Olson, Andrew Selee 7 8 4

69 In a curious way, the border tends to divide east and west as often as north and south. We recommend increased cooperation both across and along the border. Rather than consider each issue in border affairs individually, the interdependent nature of competitiveness, security, sustainability and quality of life demand the border be approached in a comprehensive manner

70

71

72 Sustainability: THREE MESSAGES Significant progress has been made on nearly all issues Old threats continue and new ones are emerging Plentiful mechanism exist 15 SUSTAINABLE SECURITY The idea that only a transborder sustainability can withstand securitization and an enduring sustainability must accommodate citizen security and safety Aka social, human, and total security For example P3R3 16 8

73 PoE STORY Localized air pollution from congestion at PoE is linked with asthma, cancer, and COPD but also cardiac arrest, stroke, lowbirth weight and pre term delivery and now even diabetes Some people get 90% of daily load 17 WHY TRANSBORDER? While each nation has its own environmental quality, ecological integrity and equity issues, some sustainability challenges transcend the border and need joint attention Additionally the border creates its own issues, for example the congestion and resulting air pollution at ports of entry 18 9

74 THREATS Demographic momentum (12.1 M in 2000, 15.4 M in 2010, 19.4 M in 2020, and 25.1 M or over doubling by 2030) Industrialization and urbanization Securitization 19 CASE STUDY Metales y Derivados as warning Lead batteries are often sent to Mexico from the U.S. to avoid strict regulation Handling, storage, processing capacity for hazmat in Mexico is limited SCERP identified a large proportion of hazmat not being repatriated EPA HazTraks funding ended CEC monitoring as citizen complaint 20 10

75 COLLABORATION Flow of info trumps flow of pollutants Every border officials organization IBWC EPA and SEMARNAT DoInterior FCC GNEB La Paz Agreement NAFTA BECC, NADBank and CEC 21 Renewable Energy The challenge of developing and exchanging RE across borders is limited by lack of transmission Inter state compacts offer a venue for determining relative costs and benefits Hot but difficult topic on both borders 22 11

76 CONTINUING CHALLENGES TEIA for example All American Canal Electricity maquiladoras The fence and supporting infrastructure Salton Sea 23 METRICS Environmental Quality Ecological Integrity Green Economy Habitability 24 12

77

78

79 29 (homicides) 30 15

80

81 33 Highlights: Quality of Life 34 17

82

83

84

85

86

87