TIJUANA.- A total of 3.5 billion pesos will be invested in Baja California in infrastructure projects this year, and as of now the State of Baja California has already invested a little over 2.5 billion pesos. These infrastructure projects will help spur economic development and tourism in the region, according to Manuel Guevara Morales, the Secretary of Infastructure and Urban Development for the State (SIDUE).

During a presentation at the fourth annual Summer Forum, he indicated that the SIDUE will channel 1.4 billion pesos toward projects in Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito Beach, that are aimed at elevating quality of life for residents and will generate more employment. This is all in line with Governor Francisco Vega's policy focused on generation of infastructure and employment in the region.

Morales states that among the projects that are contemplated in Tijuana is the construction of the Baja California Institute of Culture building, which is already underway, and conclusion of the eastern port of entry known as Puerta Mexico Este to include nearby roadway connections; roadway rehabilitation projects, construction of the Ambar Museum, and expansion of Lazaro Cardenas bridge. A plan to reactivate downtown Tijuana is also in the works for downtown Tijuana.

He indicated that among the concluded projects thus far is the Villas del Cambo road, the completion of Casablanca Boulevard, the second stage of Cuauhtemoc Sur Boulevard, and the 10 de abril road which leads to the Hyundai plant, as well as construction of the Otay Mesa Commercial port of entry.

Morales indicated that residents of Tecate will have a new City Theatre, and improvements to Tecate's old town quarter known as "Tecate Pueblo Mágico"; maintenance work to the Centinela- Rumorosa freeway, repairs to the Social Readaptation Center El Hongo, as well as many other repair projects. There are also improvements underway to the Eufrasio Santana sports center and rehabilitation work to the Tecate- Tijuana railway.

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Completed projects in Tecate include the Tijuana-Tecate onramp, Sur Boulevar Universidad, the third stage of the State Art Center (CEARTE), the Las Auras Dam and Rio Parque Tecate.

Rosarito is about to start installating purple pipe water lines leading to the Baja California Convention Center and is in the process of repaving the streets.

Other projects that are still in the planning phase include the Rosarito COBACH Gynasium, the Underwater Artificial Reef, the Sharp Boulevard connection to the Metropolitan Convention Center, adaptation of the toll road off-ramp to the convention center, and rehabilitation to the main boulevard, Benito Juarez.

Tourism Promotion Projects

Baja's State Governor Francisco Vega's goal is to ensure that each entity builds up activities that will attract tourists to the region. Tijuana continues to build on the reputation of Health Tourism and Cuisine, by focusing on the border crossing and the remodeling of Avenida Revolucion; in Mexicali the plan is to create a professional sports training facility, known as CAR for water sports and development of a China Town. This last initiative is contemplated as a way to recognize the importance of the Chinese community in this region.

Morales added that Tecate will be incorporated into the wine route, and will continue its campaign as an Adventure Tourism destination; craft beer will also be promoted. He indicated that 20 million pesos have been invested in Tecate's Traditional old town thus far.

In Rosarito Beach, the Aquatic Park project will continue to benefit fishing activities. Ensenada is on the verge of welcoming two more world-class hotels to its tourism offering, and continues to receive support in the Adventure Tourism sector. In San Felipe, the construction of an Interpretive Flaura and Fauna Center is being contemplated, as well as a fish market.

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