Though there are plenty of Mexico-US border crossings from California to Texas, the Albuquerque Journal recently noted that the difference between Santa Teresa/San Jeronimo is that this initiative is being planned from the start. This would avoid sprawl and piecemeal development that characterizes other cross-points, such as El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, also in the state of Chihuahua. Furthermore, although both municipalities are at the starting point, they both have international crossing anchors. A Union Pacific Intermodal Rail Facility is being developed on the US side, with completion scheduled for 2015. Once completed, the intermodal terminal and locomotive refueling station will be the company's largest one on the US-Mexican border.

Speaking of the border, San Jeronimo is home to the 640-acre Foxconn manufacturing campus. The Albuquerque Journal also points out that, in New Mexico, Santa Teresa's two industrial parks are expanding to supply goods and services to the Mexican maquilas, of which Foxconn is the largest operating in Mexico.

“Over the last two and a half years both administrations have been committed to increase economic development through cross-border cooperation,” Barela noted. “We have seen great benefits to the entire state of New Mexico through our efforts to grow the Santa Teresa Borderplex and we expect this to also contribute greatly.”

Barela also noted that this "binationa, master-planned community" would involve participation from both sides of the border to create necessary infrastructure, such as highways, roads and utilities. Interestingly enough, the land is privately held by two companies – Verde Realty owns the majority of property in New Mexico, while Corporación Inmobiliaria has control of land on the Mexican side. The Albuquerque Journal notes that the two firms designed a joint master plan during spring, 2013. Barela said the New Mexico and Chihuahua officials are forming committees to work on issues including rail bypass (to southern Mexico), port of entry, security, water use, logistics and marketing.