BISBEE — As the development of the new port of entry between Douglas and Agua Prieta progresses, an organization is hoping to tap in to local governments and businesses for support.

A few of the members of the newly formed Douglas International Port Authority met with the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and asked for the county’s support at a recent work session.

Authority members Ken Johnson, Carlos Fernandez, Oscar Vildosola and Victor Gonzales gave an overview of the port authority, saying the organization would be a formalized binational cooperative effort of public and private entities that would enhance and increase cross-border trade.

One of the areas of focus will be to interact with key governmental agencies on both sides of the border as it pertains to the development and expansion of the Douglas Port of Entry, as well as expansion of international industries, Gonzales said.

The county could play a role with Bisbee Douglas International Airport, which created some interest in supervisors Richard Searle, Pat Call and Paul Newman.

The airport has an existing runway more than a mile in length and 100 feet wide. A second runway is 5,000 feet long by 75 feet wide.

Gonzales also said the authority would support an east Canamex trade route from the Douglas Port of Entry up Highway 191 to facilitate a less-clogged transit into the United States. Gonzales said the Nogales Port of Entry is busy all the time and some truck drivers and even tourists are driving farther to Naco and Douglas to cross the border. “It actually saves them time to drive farther,” Gonzales added. Financial participation in DIPA is mandatory, and it costs $1,500 for a seat on the board of directors and an annual contribution of $500.

When asked why a port authority is needed, Gonzales said the DIPA would serve as a central voice for industry and agencies that deal with cross border issues. Call was interested in the possible economic development that had international aspects, but was reluctant to commit the county to a $2,000-a-year endeavor in uncertain times. “I’d be glad to show our support with a resolution,” Call added. “But there are issues on this side of the border with two-lane roads. How would you relieve traffic problems?”

Gonzales responded that DIPA could seek federal and state help to garner support for improvements by designating Highway 191 as Canamex East.

Newman said, “I applaud the effort and would like  the county to join so we could get help with Bisbee Douglas International Airport.”

Call said the fee to join would be a policy decision and wanted a work session to further discuss options.

As for Searle, he said, “Let’s discuss our membership possibility. This is a unique opportunity in that it is a binational effort.”