Improvements will reduce congestion and improve safety in key produce warehouse districts
Nogales, Arizona – Funding for a major interstate intersection along Interstate 19 in southern Arizona will make production truck traffic more efficient and safer.
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.
“For years, Senator Gabaldon has acted in line with the region’s vision of improving access and community safety along the I-19 road, and Congressman Hernandez will soon join his first term in Congress. We have been working together with our colleagues in the region.” This funding represents a significant contribution to other funding options, including potential federal grants,” said Lance Janmeyer, President of the American Fresh Food Association. BB#:144354.
“When all the improvements are realized, our warehouse will be even more efficient,” said Rod Subragia, FPAA chairman and vice president of sales and marketing for Crown Jewels Produce. “Trucks sometimes back up onto the highway during busy periods because the existing interchange was built decades ago and never anticipated the traffic jams that could occur at major international transit points,” Subragia said. added Mr. “We are very grateful to the legislature.”
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 the support from other local partners, including Metropolitan Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority, INDEX Makilla Group, Nogales, Santa Cruz County, and others, in advancing this important project.
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.
About the Fresh Food Council of America:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the American Fresh Food Council has grown to be one of the most influential agricultural organizations in the United States. Today, FPAA serves the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in importing and distributing agricultural products, providing a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability.
