Free & Secure Trade Lanes Opening Soon

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes opening at the Mariposa Port of Entry in August will increase Arizona's cross-border trade capacity while keeping security threats to Americans at bay. The lanes, a conduit for cross-border commerce, will allow expedited travel for pre-screened, low risk trucks bringing products into Arizona. The FAST grand opening is Aug. 15th, 2006 at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Ariz., at 11 a.m.

"The FAST project is a key component of keeping Arizona safe, strong & prosperous. These lanes are part of the State's ongoing initiatives to enhance infrastructure while striving for border trade that is secure & efficient. Arizona sets the standard in building public & private partnerships that create positive economic growth & security strategies for our unique region. FAST is another example of our collaboration achieving results," said Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Nogales is Arizona's gateway to the world, & more than $10 billion of products transit Mariposa each year, including nearly half of the winter fruits & vegetables entering the U.S. In fact, trade relations with Mexico result in nearly 60,000 jobs for the state's residents. Arizona invested roughly $4 million to expand this gateway & effectively double Mariposa's commercial lanes, providing dedicated lanes for low-risk trucks enrolled in the FAST program. This will improve the commercial port & relieve congestion that can produce traffic lines stretching south for miles.

This project is a tribute to public & private agency cooperation in the name of increasing the efficiency of Arizona's cross-border trade. Its completion is the result of teamwork among federal agencies, the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC), the Border Trade Alliance (BTA), the CANAMEX Corridor Coalition, the Az. Dept. of Transportation, local government & the private sector. Additionally, the Greater Nogales & Santa Cruz County Port Authority, Arizona's Congressional Delegation, the Mexican federal government & the Sonoran government offered invaluable support.