A multi-mile protective berm designed to shield the Columbus Port of Entry and surrounding communities from recurring floods reached a key construction milestone as it marks the completion of Phase 3 of the project.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 1, 2026
Southern New Mexico Berm Project reaches major milestone
Phase 3 ribbon cutting held for infrastructure investment that will mitigate flooding impacts
COLUMBUS, N.M. — A multi-mile protective berm designed to shield the Columbus Port of Entry and surrounding communities from recurring floods reached a key construction milestone as it marks the completion of Phase 3 of the project.
The $30 million initiative, led by the New Mexico Border Authority in partnership with Luna County, will protect approximately 1,800 acres along the U.S.-Mexico border — opening the door to development that flooding had long made impossible to insure or finance.
“This is exactly how economic development is supposed to work,” Economic Development New Mexico Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said. “Flooding harms health, climate and growth; this milestone shows what’s possible when the state’s Border Authority, Luna County and all our partners come together to support communities.”
“When we began working on this project, significant funding had already been secured, but additional coordination and strategy were needed to move construction forward.” New Mexico Border Authority Director Gerardo Fierro said. “By restructuring the project into phases and leveraging partnerships across multiple agencies and stakeholders, we were able to build momentum, secure additional funding and deliver real progress for the community.”
Flooding creates environmental and health hazards on both sides of the border. Phase 3 is the first of three phases to reach completion and represents critical flood control and border infrastructure. The initiative will strengthen public safety and support long-term economic development along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The berm and supporting drainage infrastructure protect the Columbus Port of Entry, Highway 11, nearby homes and businesses, as well as the neighboring community of Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, from recurring flood risks, providing a binational benefit on both sides of the border.
Project funding to date includes approximately $14.5 million from Capital Outlay funding, $13 million from the Water Trust Board, $2.3 million from Border Planning and Infrastructure projects appropriations, and $1 million from FEMA.
On June 1, state and local leaders, including officials from Economic Development New Mexico, New Mexico Border Authority, Luna County and others, gathered at the Ruth Coleman Memorial Columbus Center, Columbus, NM, to announce completion of Phase 3 of the Southern New Mexico Berm Project, followed by a ribbon cutting at the berm site.
“These improvements position Luna County for safer and more sustainable long-term growth,” said Commissioner Christie Ann Harvey. “This project represents a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure, economic future, and overall quality of life.”
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