On Monday, Sept. 9, the New Mexico Border Authority (NMBA) presented its Annual Report in Socorro, N.M., led by newly-appointed Executive Director Gerardo Fierro. The event focused on underlining the NMBA’s 2024 goals and future projects.
Fierro’s presentation, which is available to the public online, started by detailing the NMBA’s specific actions for the fiscal year 2024, emphasizing key areas. Among these were facilitating economic growth, expediting trade and commerce, leveraging the state’s strategic location, and enhancing collaboration with economic partners. He also highlighted efforts to promote the creation of jobs along the border region.
“As the new Executive Director of the New Mexico Border Authority, my commitment is to build on the agency's momentum and strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic growth and quality of life improvements in the border region,” said Fierro.
A significant project highlighted was the ongoing development of the Border Highway Connector, a critical infrastructure initiative. Fierro announced that Phases A and B of the feasibility study have been completed in collaboration with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The environmental study, Phase C, is currently underway, while preparations for Phase D, focused on preliminary design, are in progress. Additional funding was also secured for Phase 2 of the project, which will determine the best connection point to Texas and the interstate highway system.
Within the annual report, Fierro also noted how important legislative changes are for strengthening the NMBA's operational capabilities. Recent legislative efforts aimed at improving the NMBA's functionality were shown in proposed bills such as HB 13 and HB 307, which seek to modify the Border Development Act, introduce new membership requirements, and clarify the agency's structure.
Looking forward, Fierro has a future-focused strategy for the NMBA that emphasizes infrastructure development and revenue expansion. “In the next years, we aim to enhance infrastructure development initiatives and deepen our cross-border partnerships,” he said. “Together, we will seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and create a legacy of progress and prosperity for generations to come."
As Fierro embarks on his leadership journey, the NMBA is set to play a vital role in economic growth and creating a strong binational community that benefits the state of New Mexico as well as its bordering areas.
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