weekly letter from Gov Janet Napolitano, democrat

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Dear, Friends

While we continue to work to secure our border from illegal crossings and drug smugglers, we cannot forget how important legal commerce with Mexico is to the economy of Arizona. As a state, we have taken numerous steps to crack down on illegal immigration, while at the same time sustaining legal trade with Mexico, Arizona’s number one trading partner.


To meet that goal, we have opened and dedicated the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, which will enable commercial traffic to flow more quickly into the United States. Arizona partners with a variety of organizations in the public and private sector on economic development projects, and FAST is a prime example of how such cooperation can benefit our economy, and, at the same time, enhance border security.



Arizona invested roughly $4 million to double Mariposa’s commercial lanes, providing dedicated lanes for pre-screened, low-risk trucks enrolled in the FAST program. Increasing the number of lanes allows them to move through the border in a more efficient manner. Because these vehicles are often carrying perishable items, such as fruits and vegetables, it is critical that these trucks stay on schedule.



The FAST lanes are an infrastructure improvement much like the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane that also opened in Nogales, at the DeConcini port of entry, earlier this year. SENTRI is similar to FAST in that it allows low-risk, prescreened travelers to more quickly pass through Arizona and Mexico.


These projects were completed with the cooperation of the Bush Administration, the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC), the Border Trade Alliance (BTA), the CANAMEX Corridor Coalition, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), local governments and the private sector. Additionally, the Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority, Arizona’s Congressional Delegation, the Mexican federal government and the Sonoran government offered valuable support.
As always, I appreciate your input, and encourage you to call my office at 602.542.1318 if you have questions or thoughts to share. Or, please visit our website at http://www.azgovernor.gov for information and news in state government.

Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano
Governor