Deep water port in Mexico again may impact Yuma

The announcement that plans for a new major deep water port in Mexico have been renewed is bound to stir controversy locally if the project actually materializes.

While the port is a long way from us, it is possible the Yuma area could be closely linked to it via a railroad that would carry cargo from the new deep water port into the United States after crossing at San Luis Rio Colorado, Son. - one of various rail routes that have been proposed.

The Mexico city's mayor, Manuel Baldenebro, said the route is one under consideration in bidding proposals recently put forward by the Mexico Ministry of Communications and Transportation. He said it would bring economic development to his city and to Yuma County.

Some local residents will undoubtedly remember a similar proposal that was put forward in 2007 when Union Pacific Railroad was looking at serving the new port in Punta Colonet, located on the west coast of Baja California south of Ensenada.

Local opposition marshalled quickly against putting the railroad through the Yuma area due to concerns about pollution, crime and deterioration of property values in neighboring areas. Although no route was ever actually selected, Union Pacific had inquired about possible acquisition of land south of Yuma.

In the end, Union Pacific decided to drop plans to serve the port due to various factors, including delays by Mexican officials in moving the project forward. This decision caused celebration among local opponents.

The megaport, reportedly the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by Mexico and costing $4 billion or more, was put on the back burner by Mexico when the world economy tanked. Now with the announcement of bidding specifications for the port, it appears Mexico officials are ready to move forward again.

Mexico officials say four companies have expressed interest in bidding to build the port and operate it. Prospective bidders must indicate their interest by Nov. 3, according to the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.

By the time the port is finished in a few years, it would be ready to take advantage of a world economic recovery. It could eventually be one of the largest deep water ports on the Pacific Coast. Current ports are nearing maximum capacity, causing bottlenecks and delays in shipping of goods from Asia to the United States in normal economic times.

A necessary component in the concept is getting the goods from Punta Colonet to the United States by rail. There are limited places to connect with major U.S. rail lines, and one of those is through Yuma, meaning we will likely once again be on the short list.

If that happens, opposition would undoubtedly be renewed to the idea.

Part of the reason there was so much opposition to the previous plan here was an initial lack of openness about the proposal from railroad officials, who were trying to keep a low profile while looking for available land. But this allowed rumors to bloom and likely increased the suspicion of the opponents, who felt they were being deceived.

If indeed there are new plans for a rail line through the Yuma area, then those proposing it need to be very up-front about the plans. The community has to be part of the process if they are to go along with it. Concerns need to be heard and dealt with early in the process.

---
Terry Ross is director of the Yuma Sun's News and Information Center. E-mail him at tross@yumasun.com or phone him at 539-6870.