Funding a major interstate intersection along Interstate 19 in southern Arizona will make agricultural truck traffic more efficient and safer.

^{Left to right: Lance Jungmeier, FPAA President. Raquel Espinoza, FPAA President Elect. Senator Rosanna Gabaldon. Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado. Santa Cruz County Superintendent Rudy Morella.}

The recently passed Arizona budget includes exits 12 (Ruby Road) and 17, thanks to amendments by Arizona Senator Rosanna Gabaldon and support for amendments by Consuelo Hernandez in the Arizona House of Representatives. Includes $8.6 million in improvements to Exit No. (Rio Rico Drive). Represents Nogales and parts of Southern Arizona in the Arizona State Legislature.

“Senator Gabaldon has for years been aligned with the region’s vision of improving access and community security along the I-19 corridor, and Congressman Hernandez was also quick to join his first term in Congress, joining his colleagues. This funding represents a significant contribution to other funding options, including potential federal grants,” said Lance Janmeyer, president of the American Fresh Food Association.

“When all the improvements are realized, our warehouse will be even more efficient,” said Rod Subragia, Chairman of the FPAA and vice president of sales and marketing for Crown Jewels Produce. “The existing interchange was built decades ago, so trucks can back up onto the highway during busy periods.

^{Left to right: Allison Moore, FPAA Executive Vice President. Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President. Congressman Consuelo Hernandez. Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado. Jorge Donadue, Fresh Farms. Santa Cruz County Superintendent Rudy Morella. Raquel Espinoza, FPAA President Elect. Georgine Felix, FPAA Minister of Foreign Affairs. Saul Mathias, FPAA Communications Coordinator.}

In March, FPAA members visited the Arizona State Legislature to highlight the importance of projects like this. The advocacy trip also included Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado and Santa Cruz County Commissioner Rudy Morella.

FPAA recognizes support from other local partners, including Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority, INDEX Makilla Group, Nogales, Santa Cruz County and others.

The new $8.6 million will be used to improve access points at Exits 12 and 17. The FPAA and other groups have expressed support for federal grants to complete the entire project, likely in excess of $50 million.

This follows extensive infrastructure development in the region, partially funded by fresh food truck traffic through a public-private partnership. The $100M+ SR-189/Mariposa Road Viaduct on I-19 will open in 2022, allowing trucks leaving the Mariposa Port of Entry and heading north on I-19 to the warehouse district to avoid several traffic lights It is now possible.

For more information:
Lance Jungmeyer
American Fresh Food Association
lance@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com

Allison Moore
American Fresh Food Association
amoore@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com