General Services Administration awards $174 million design build contract for final phase of Calexico west land port of entry
CALEXICO, Calif. — On July 26, 2024, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the awarding of a $173.6 million contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Company. The contract, designated for the final phase of the modernization and expansion of the Calexico West Land Port of Entry, represents a significant investment in one of the busiest ports of entry between the United States and Mexico.
The project is part of a broader initiative funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at increasing capacity, improving security, and enhancing efficiency at border crossings. “The Calexico West Land Port of Entry is another example of how the Biden Administration is making once-in-a-generation investments that bolster safety and security while strengthening our economy,” stated GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “These investments are a triple win – creating good jobs that boost our economy and national security, saving taxpayer dollars through reduced energy costs, and building a stronger and more prosperous future for our communities.”
A notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on sustainability. The modernization efforts will reduce carbon emissions by 542 metric tons through the use of low-embodied carbon construction materials and advanced sustainable technologies. The scope includes the construction of a new 33,000-square-foot pedestrian processing facility. Funding for the project includes $122 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and an additional $42 million allocated for low-embodied carbon construction materials. Furthermore, $1.7 million will be used for emerging technologies aimed at reducing heating and cooling loads through efficient heat pumps and duct sealing.
“The individuals and families I serve from Imperial Valley will see great relief with the expansion project at the Calexico West Land Port of Entry,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “This expansion will reduce border wait times, improve air quality, stimulate economic growth, and alleviate outdoor wait times in extreme heat.”
Sukhee Kang, Regional Administrator for GSA’s Pacific Rim Region, emphasized the forward-thinking nature of the project. “This project not only supports the needs of today but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in border management and environmental stewardship,” said Kang. “By incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable materials, we are ensuring that the Calexico West Land Port of Entry meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $3.4 billion for GSA to modernize land ports of entry across the U.S. borders, aiming to enhance commerce, trade, and security while creating jobs and promoting sustainability. The Inflation Reduction Act, with a similar $3.4 billion budget for GSA, focuses on developing low-embodied carbon construction materials and achieving a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045.
Construction on the Calexico West Land Port of Entry project is expected to commence in Summer 2025, with completion slated for Winter 2028.
About GSA: The General Services Administration provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing nearly 370 million rentable square feet of real estate, overseeing over $100 billion in federal contracts, and delivering technology services to millions of people across various federal agencies. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow @USGSA on social media.