Cross-Border Transit Projects Aim to Stimulate Economy

Arturo Alemany discusses railroad transportation while Elizabeth Brown of CBX looks on.

SAN DIEGO—The Cross-Border Express airport terminal, unified railroad system and Brown Field Municipal Airport redux are making strides to improve the infrastructure between the US and Mexico, a recent Urban Land Institute San Diego-Tijuana Council breakfast event reveals. The only binational chapter of ULI assembled a panel to discuss the binational infrastructure upon which so many depend, showing that the three transit-oriented projects are also helping to stimulate the economy in the region. The cross-border airport terminal that connects the US and Mexico is described as a “real game changer” in promoting economic development, Elizabeth Brown , chief commercial officer of the Cross Border Xpress , said. The terminal, created by Brown and her team, opened in December, allowing access to Mexico from San Diego by car, bus or shuttle. After walking across the CBX skywalk, travelers reach the Tijuana Airport ‘s departure zone and luggage check-in. Booked passengers can utilize CBX up to 24 hours in advance of their flight so they can conduct business or spend time in Tijuana before boarding their flight. Arturo Alemany , CEO of the Pacific Imperial Railroad, spoke about his work in developing a unified railroad system that would connect the Port of Ensenada with the Plaster City area of Imperial County, for a total of 114 miles of rail, while fusing two existing railroads together “once and for all.” With growing manufacturing segments in Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali, he sees a cross-border railroad vital to economic activity. According to Alemany, other benefits of railroads include using less fuel, having fewer accidents and emitting up to 75% less greenhouse gas than other forms of transportation. Richard Sax, co-owner of Distinctive Project Co. , which is redeveloping Brown Field Municipal Airport, also spoke at the event. With ground breaking on the project later this year, Sax views the project, just over one mile from the border in Otay Mesa, as not just bringing big jets to the airport but also bringing businesses to the airport. The project will sit upon some of the 331 acres of underutilized space currently available at the field, so no major demolition is required. In total, the $1-billion buildout will include 60,000 square feet of class-A office space, which Sax and his company hope will attract not only aviation companies but also those who service them. Pointing out that “binational cooperation isn’t just a nice thing, it is a necessity,” Sax believes that the Brown Field redevelopment will create trade “like we have never seen before.” The participants also pointed out that none of these projects come without challenges. For Brown, it is getting travelers educated about CBX so they will utilize the facility. Alemany is looking for land and development assistance and wants to better communicate with anyone affected by his unified railroad plans. For Sax, one of the challenges is California’s Environment Quality Act , which he calls “out of control.” In his opinion, CEQA should be changed to streamline development while protecting the environment vs. its current structure that adds costs and time to projects. In summary, moderator Bob Watkins , chair of the Cali Baja Bi-National Mega Region for ULI, called what is happening in Baja “tremendous,” citing a sophisticated talent base, multiple research facilities and Mexican citizens looking to invest in businesses on both sides of the border. According to Watkins, 75% of the cross-border investment funds come from Mexico and “they recognize the opportunity.” Other transit-related projects in the works will also help stimulate the Baja economy. As GlobeSt.com reported in November 2015, the $1-billion, 331-acre Otay Mesa Metropolitan Airpark project is an “important piece in the puzzle” for diverting general aviation traffic away from Lindbergh Field and toward the new border crossing, Vancouver-based  Gibralt ‘s Charles Black was selected to lead the development team overseeing the construction and marketing of the project at Brown Field , which will involve nearly 3 million square feet of new construction, phased over 20 years.