Parents, School District Still Against Proposed Port Of Entry

For years, the city has been looking into creating a new international port of entry to alleviate congestion on the four ports of entry already within city limits.

And for almost as long, the Ysleta Independent School District, parents and those who live within the district have been fighting the city over the proposed locations of the port. All of the proposed locations lie within the boundaries of YISD.

The location currently drawing attention and controversy is Border Highway and Yarbrough Dr.

On Thursday evening, dozens of residents crowded into the auditorium of Ysleta Pre-K, at 7940 Craddock Ave., for a community meeting with Ysleta ISD board trustee members on the proposed port.

Trustee Marty Reyes told the crowd that 3,000 students would be impacted by the traffic and pollution created by the bridge, and that it would be anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 feet from Ysleta Pre-K.

“Parents, the members of the community, leaders in the community, including myself, will fight against any proposed port here at Yarbrough,” said Arlina Palacios. Palacios has two children who attend the school.

Palacios said she understands the need for El Paso to contribute to international commerce and the impact on the economy. While she was quick to say she wasn’t a “NIMBY” (Not In My Back Yard) she added, “There’s another option here that has not been discussed. And we need to discuss this option. And it’s not at the Yarbrough exit. It’s somewhere else.”

The city is still holding community meetings to gather input on where residents would be most agreeable to building a port of entry. According to the ABC-7 archive, Mayor John Cook said back in 2009 he hoped to have the port built in five to seven years.