Arizona Border Region Rural EC
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State: Arizona
Counties (Census Tracts): Cochise (0009), Yuma (0114, 0116), Santa Cruz (9964, 9962)
Community Population: 22,595
Community Area: 152
Poverty Rate: 38.8%
Unemployment Rate:19.2 % - in Douglas
13.7% - in Nogales
33.3% -in San LuisPer Capita Income: $11,952
Education: 40.97% high school graduates
Overview
The Arizona Border Region stretches for the 361 miles along the Mexico border. The more precisely defined Arizona Border Region EC is anchored by three communities of the region: Douglas, Nogales and San Luis. The area is characterized by persistent poverty that has closed to doubled in some instances since 1970. The plan includes specific planning components for each community.
DOUGLAS: Located in southeastern Cochise County, Douglas originated as a copper smelting site to serve nearby mines in Arizona and Mexico. The Douglas economy has suffered greatly by both the decline in copper production and the diversion of the intercontinental traffic from the city with the opening of Interstate 10. The poverty rate in the Census tract that qualifies Douglas is 55%.
NOGALES: Nogales is Arizona's largest Mexico port of entry, accounting for two-thirds of all commercial traffic entering Arizona from Mexico. Topographical conditions of Nogales' high desert environment tend to increase the expense of building and limit the ability to expand transportation systems and other infrastructure. Nogales is the principal city in Santa Cruz County, Arizona's smallest county. The unemployment rate in Nogales in 1994 was over 24%.
San Luis/Gadsten: San Luis/Gadsten is a rapidly growing border community with extremly high unemployment (70.8% in 1994!). Located in Yuma County, San Luis/Gadsten has an estimated population for 1995 of 8,400 ... twice the population in 1990.
The priority component of the economic plan is to retain and expand existing business and industry and to create new business and industry. This would be in the form of agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation, communications, wholesale and retail trade, finance/insurance/real estate services, public administration and tourism.
The application addresses several environmental problems including water and sewage, hazardous waste and border congestion. Each area develops specific projects and strategies to correspond with the particular problem.
The plan proposes to establish programs for schools and employers to work together so the student can enjoy and benefit from the world surrounding them. Also, it will provide adult education including job training and improving living and language skills. The plan proposes to link residents with businesses offering year-round job opportunities which would offset seasonal work cycles and promote a more stable economy.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity:
The proposal for each subregion addresses increased business in the respective areas. One of the three sub-regions establishes and funds coordinated economic development programs among cities on both sides of the border. Each entity will create an economic development and marketing plan.
The plan projects business/industrial activity to increase 15% in four years. This will be complemented by a 3-4% increase annually. Downtown business activity is targeted to increase by 10% in three years. This plan is further enhanced by establishing a Federal Trade Zone which will develop additional markets in response to effect of NAFTA.
Sustainable Economic Development:
The applicant proposes to initiate and sustain economic activities with locally-owned and managed businesses for each of the three subregions. Additional focus applies to promoting the region to other potential employers to create year-round job opportunities.
The Plan establishes a full-service business development center to encourage local high-level business options. The plan establishes school and adult education programs. The programs include skill inventory and assessment programs, as well as, drop out prevention programs in conjunction with local education and community college programs.
Community Development:
The applicant proposes a series of goals and strategies to support the community needs such as, developing affordable housing, establishing more low-cost child care facilities, and tying welfare programs to job training that will enable residents to become more employable.
Public Sector Commitments
Local Government Resources:
Local resources will be coordinated in the application area.
State Government Resources:
State to match federal funds for certain activities, with other resources listed as available for this application.
Federal Government Resources:
Existing federal resources along the US/Mexico border can help to strengthen the activities described.
Private Sector Commitments
Significant letters and documentation of in-kind support are provided.
Contact:
Name: Don Irby RH Program Director Address: Phoenix Corporate Center 3003 North Central Avenue, Ste 900 Phoenix, AZ 85012-2906 Phone: 602-280-8764 Fax: 602-280-8879 Email: don.irby@az.usda.gov
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