NOGALES, AZ - Produce truck traffic in Southern Arizona will become more efficient and safer with the availability of funding for key interstate intersections along I-19, according to the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA).

“For years Senator Gabaldon has been aligned with the community vision to improve access and community safety along the I-19 corridor, and Representative Hernandez has jumped right in during her first term in the legislature to work hand in hand with her colleagues in this region,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President. “This funding represents a sizable contribution toward other funding options, including possible federal grants.”

As the organization stated in a press release, the recently passed Arizona budget includes $8.6 million for improvements to Exit 12 (Ruby Road) and Exit 17 (Rio Rico Drive), thanks to an amendment from Arizona State Senator Rosanna Gabaldon and support for the Amendment in the Arizona House from Consuelo Hernandez, who represent Nogales and portions of Southern Arizona in the Arizona legislature. The $8.6 million in new funding will go toward efforts to improve the access points at Exits 12 and 17; FPAA and other groups have signaled their support for federal grants to achieve the overall projects, which are likely to exceed $50 million.

“Once all of the improvements come to fruition, our warehouses will be even more efficient,” said FPAA Chairman Rod Sbragia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Crown Jewels Produce. “During our peak season, trucks sometimes back up onto the highway because the existing interchanges were built decades ago, never anticipating the kind of traffic snarls that can occur at a major international point of entry. We are incredibly grateful to the legislature.”

FPAA Members visited the Arizona legislature back in March to emphasize the importance of such projects, with local elected officials also in attendance, including Jorge Maldonado, Mayor of Nogales, and Rudy Molera, Santa Cruz County Commissioner.

The release continued, noting that this advancement comes on the heels of a major infrastructure improvement in the area that was funded in part by crossings of fresh produce trucks in a Public Private Partnership.

FPAA recognizes the support from other local partners including the Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority, INDEX Maquila group, Nogales, Santa Cruz County, and others in advancing these efforts.

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Fresh Produce Association of the Americas