Stakeholder Working Group Meeting -

Thursday, December 14th - Tijuana Trade Center

The Smart Border Coalition's Stakeholder Working Group meeting on December 14th, 2023, gathered over 60 key binational stakeholders who shared crucial insights and strategies for addressing the region's challenges and opportunities. Here's an overview of the speakers and the pivotal points from their engaging presentations:

Kurt Honold Morales, Secretary of Economy and Innovation, State of Baja California - Key Strategic Projects Included:

Otay Mesa East POE

• Infrastructure advancements and access roads are ongoing
• The civil engineering portion is set for completion by April 2024, being designed and built by the Secretaria de la Defensa (formerly under the leadership of Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes SCT).
• The current BC administration played a crucial role in securing right-of-way and land acquisition.

Truck Cargo Staging Area (Lanzadera)

• The cargo staging area can accommodate up to 400 trucks, easing traffic congestion in city streets.
• Inspection facilities within the project could assist in managing tasks currently handled by the CHP facility.
• It aims to provide a safer environment for trucks and drivers, reducing idle times in long lines.

Pedestrian Trolley Access to USA

• A toll-based project similar to CBX's operation is envisioned.

Viaducto Elevado

• Will act as a major traffic relief valve from Tijuana Airport to Playas de Tijuana.
• Built by Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional.
• The project includes innovative tunnels and overpasses bypassing congested city streets and major intersections.

Ensenada to San Diego Ferry Boat Service

• Approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the engines is pending (and a key obstacle).
• The project targets operational readiness by April 2024, operated by Azteca Ferries.

Miguel Aguniga, Secretary of Tourism, State of Baja California

Key presentation takeaways:

• In 2023, the State of Baja has had over 100,000 flights carrying more than 13 million passengers.
• CBX accounts for approximately 35% of the overall airport traffic.
• An intensive advertising campaign has been launched in California, with prime locations such as Petco Park and the San Diego Trolley.
• Over 50 million border crossings have been registered in 2023, marking a 45% increase since 2020.
• The primary reasons for traveling to the state include Nature & Outdoor activities, and gastronomy. Closely followed by medical procedures.

Jaqueline Reynoso, Cordoba Corporation, Binational Trolley Project

Key Presentation Takeaways:

• The project aims to implement smart border crossing technology like smart gates for entry, along with facial biometrics for entry/exit.
• Obtaining a Presidential permit is pivotal for advancing the project.
• Extending the trolley line into Tijuana can help alleviate congestion at overstressed ports of entry.
• The project consists of three phases, from Smart Gates to LRT Crossing into Tijuana, utilizing the innovative Advanced Transit Clearance, and expanding the San Ysidro mobility hub.
• Project completion is anticipated by 2035, offering immense benefits such as improved air quality, enhanced quality of life, heightened border security, and a reliable cross-border transportation system.

David Perez Tejada Padilla, Instituto Nacional de Migracion

Key Presentation Takeaways

• INAMI's efforts to reopen PedWest included securing the western portion close to the port of entry with infrastructure to prevent illegal migrant entries into the US.
• There are 11 land entry points, 4 air operations, and 2 maritime entryways into the state of Baja.
• E-Gate Technology, currently under review, is poised to operate through the CBX entryway, paving the way for smarter border crossing leveraging technology.
• Grupo Beta, originating in Baja, assists with migration, humanitarian aid, and providing first aid to migrants.
• The top 5 nationalities arriving in the state are Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Venezuela, and China.
• Infrastructure improvements encompass installation of luminaries in Chaparral, fencing along Playas de Tijuana, cleaning efforts in the Tijuana River for better visibility, and provisional walls to deter illegal crossings.
• Repatriation of migrants to southern states is another critical task under the organizations responsibilities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts, Salomon Cohen and Chris Cohen, for sponsoring venue and providing key logistical support.