SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Demonstrating its commitment to a 21st century border that promotes economic competitiveness while enhancing security, the Department of State has issued a Presidential permit for an innovative U.S.-Mexico border crossing in California. The permit allows Otay-Tijuana Venture L.L.C., a binational investment group, to build and operate the San Diego-Tijuana Airport Cross Border Facility (CBF). The project sponsor hopes to begin construction in 2011.
The CBF concept is an enclosed pedestrian bridge across the U.S.-Mexico border linking a passenger facility in San Diego (initially containing customs inspection facilities, parking, and ground transportation) with the commercial passenger airport in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
The CBF is intended to provide U.S. originating or destined air travelers quick, secure, and reliable access to flights at the Tijuana Airport, reduce congestion at neighboring border crossings, and curb economic losses associated with border delays. Issuance of the permit by the Department is in support of its efforts to facilitate safe and secure trade and travel between the United States and Mexico.
Under Executive Order 11423, as amended, the Secretary of State may issue Presidential permits for international border crossings after finding that they would be in the “national interest.”
