Plans for a New Interstate

During the spring semester of this year, after learning about the organisation known as Imagine Greater Tucson, I decided I wanted to join as a volunteer. Admittedly, I haven't done a whole lot--practically nothing, really--though I still want to get involved when I can, out of interest in what they want to do, experience I could gain from it, and possible networking.

(More information: 1--azstarnet.com, 2--YouTube Link)

Last week, I went to an event that was discussing the CANAMEX Trade Corridor (see below map) and its' relevance to Tucson.



(Above image was found here)

Although the map indicates that CANAMEX will go through Tucson, the discussion I went to last week implied that, while it may be the most likely route, it comes down to us to decide whether or not we want it.



(Above image was found here)
As the caption above states, part of the reason for Interstate 11 is to alleviate congestion on the highways--Interstate 19 is already 20% commercial traffic, and is proposed to increase to 50%. Considering that this is connects to the Nogales Port of Entry (which, apparently, is pretty narrow), which leads into Northern Mexico (all of Sonora, including the capital Hermosillo and the beach town of Puerto Peñasco, southwest of Sonoyta)... Well, this is going to be part of the solution of quite a few possible problems down the road. Whether or not the actual extension will be at all the same as the proposed version, one thing is true: this extension will more than likely affect Tucson, and the hope is that it will not be for the worse. Ideally, we can capitalise on our status as a port city (think more along the lines of trains and airports), along with trade from Canada and Mexico (factoring in the deep-water port in Guaymas, Sonora--apparently, the ports in Los Angeles are at full capacity, so the port being located where it is will benefit from trade from both Asia and Europe, especially once the Panama Canal widening project is completed), in order to strengthen Tucson's economy. While we probably don't want to become the next Phoenix--no offense to our neighbour to the north--growth is inevitable; either we manage it responsibly or it manages us.