U.S. General Services Administration
Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry
The Raul H. Castro Land Port of Entry, located in Douglas, Arizona, is a critical facility for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission in southern Arizona. Today, the 4.8-acre federal facility, originally built in 1933 and expanded in 1993, is not able to fully meet CBP’s mission requirements. In its current configuration, both inbound and outbound trucks maneuver within the same undersized commercial vehicle inspection compound, which slows traffic and poses safety hazards. The port’s small commercial inspection dock consists of just five bays. Furthermore, northbound pedestrians need to cross the path of northbound commercial trucks, posing a further safety hazard for people traveling on foot.
The U.S. General Services Administration received funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the complete modernization of the facility based on the findings of a 2019 feasibility study. The project proposes relocation of commercial activities to a newly constructed stand-alone commercial LPOE 4.5 miles away. Relocating commercial operations to the newly constructed commercial port allows for the modernization and expansion of the Castro LPOE.
LPOE details
Fact sheet (English): Raul Hector Land Port of Entry [PDF - 2 MB]
Fact sheet (Spanish): Garita de Raúl Héctor Castro [PDF - 3 MB]
Address: 15 Pan American Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607
Year constructed: 1933
Port size: 4.8 acres
Budget: $165 million – $185 million
Primary tenant:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Current status
GSA initiated its programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process in Spring 2022 and will continue evaluating the potential impact of the modernization and expansion project through May 2024. As part of the EIS process, GSA will conduct public meetings to gather input from the local community and key stakeholders.
The architecture and engineering services contract was awarded in February 2023, will develop a master plan design and draft preliminary concept documents. These documents will address the modernization and expansion of the port’s privately owned vehicles and pedestrians inspection facilities, while also involving the relocation of commercial vehicle inspection to a new, planned commercial port.
Environmental review
GSA began its programmatic environmental impact statement process in Spring 2022 and will continue to evaluate the potential impact of the modernization and expansion project through Fall 2023. As part of the EIS process, GSA will conduct public meetings to gather input from the local community and key stakeholders. The EIS documents are available for review.
Local updates
Traffic advisories
There are no traffic advisories currently in place.
Project news
September 19, 2023
GSA to host public meeting for land port of entry projects in Douglas
July 31, 2023
Empowering Communities: How GSA’s community focused urban development program drives positive change in Douglas
Feb. 25, 2022
New Douglas Commercial Port included in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
|
Environmental impact assessment Architecture and engineering services contract award |
Design-build contract award |
Construction start Substantial completion |
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
We received $3.4 billion to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges — all while serving as models for sustainability and innovation.
Visit the Arizona LPOE page for an overview of BIL projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
Sustainability opportunities
We will increase energy and water efficiency (including renewable energy and fossil fuel free measures), adhere to sustainable design principles, and minimize climate risk liabilities above the minimum performance criteria in a manner that is life cycle cost-effective.
Community impact
The modernization and expansion of the Castro LPOE will help improve the traveling public’s experience by relocating commercial vehicle inspection operations to the new commercial Douglas LPOE as well as a proposed increase in the number of vehicular and pedestrian inspection booths from 7 to 10 and from 3 to 6, respectively. This will provide CBP with additional inspection capacity and help reduce northbound border wait times.