By KRWG News
Santa Teresa – Construction begins this month on a $10 million project to double the size of the Santa Teresa border crossing.
New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Jon Barela says the expansion is a big part of a plan to boost economic development in the border region.
The expansion will add a pedestrian walkway, two non-commercial lanes and inspection booths for non-commercial and commercial traffic. A new southbound inspection facility will be built and the main port administration building will be renovated.
The Santa Teresa Port of Entry opened in 1992 and now handles about 500,000 crossings a year. Just 42 miles from Las Cruces and 20 minutes from El Paso, its popularity has grown because it has short lines and little congestion.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.