Phase 3 ribbon cutting marks progress on $30 million flood mitigation project protecting Columbus Port of Entry, Luna County and surrounding border communities
COLUMBUS, N.M. (June 2, 2026) — A major flood mitigation project in southern New Mexico has reached a key construction milestone with the completion of Phase 3 of the Southern New Mexico Berm Project, a multi-mile protective berm designed to reduce recurring flood impacts near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The $30 million infrastructure initiative, led by the New Mexico Border Authority in partnership with Luna County, will help protect approximately 1,800 acres around the Columbus Port of Entry and surrounding communities. By reducing flood risk, the project is expected to support public safety, infrastructure resilience and long-term economic development in an area where flooding has historically limited investment, insurance access and financing opportunities.
“This is exactly how economic development is supposed to work,” said Isaac Romero, Deputy Secretary of Economic Development New Mexico. “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.”
Flood Control Infrastructure Supports Border Economic Development
The Southern New Mexico Berm Project is designed to protect critical infrastructure, homes, businesses and transportation assets from recurring flood risks. The berm and related drainage improvements will benefit both sides of the border by helping safeguard the Columbus Port of Entry, Highway 11, nearby residential and commercial areas and the neighboring community of Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua.
The project is expected to support:
- Flood mitigation for approximately 1,800 acres along the U.S.-Mexico border
- Protection for the Columbus Port of Entry and surrounding infrastructure
- Improved safety for nearby homes, businesses and transportation corridors
- Reduced environmental and public health risks caused by recurring flooding
- Greater opportunity for future development in areas previously difficult to insure or finance
- Long-term economic growth for Luna County and the border region
Flooding has created environmental and health hazards on both sides of the border, making the berm project a critical investment in public safety, regional resilience and binational infrastructure.
Phase 3 Completion Marks Major Progress for Southern New Mexico
Phase 3 is the first of three project phases to reach completion and represents a significant step forward in strengthening flood control infrastructure near Columbus, New Mexico.
“When we began working on this project, significant funding had already been secured, but additional coordination and strategy were needed to move construction forward,” said Gerardo Fierro, Director of the New Mexico Border Authority. “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.”
On June 1, state and local leaders gathered at the Ruth Coleman Memorial Columbus Center in Columbus to recognize the completion of Phase 3. Officials from Economic Development New Mexico, the New Mexico Border Authority, Luna County and other partner organizations later joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony 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.”
Project Funding Reflects State, Local and Federal Partnership
Funding for the Southern New Mexico Berm Project has come from multiple state and federal sources, reflecting the importance of the project to border infrastructure, flood protection and regional development.
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 project appropriations
- $1 million from FEMA
Together, these investments are helping move forward a long-planned infrastructure project that will provide lasting benefits for Columbus, Luna County and nearby communities on both sides of the border.
Southern New Mexico Berm Project Strengthens Regional Resilience
The completion of Phase 3 marks an important step in a broader effort to improve flood protection and unlock new development opportunities in southern New Mexico. By mitigating flood impacts, the project helps create safer conditions for residents and businesses while supporting the long-term economic potential of the Columbus border region.
As construction progresses, the Southern New Mexico Berm Project is expected to continue strengthening public safety, supporting trade-related infrastructure and helping position Luna County for more sustainable growth.
About the New Mexico Border Authority
The New Mexico Border Authority is an executive branch state agency that provides leadership in the development of New Mexico’s international ports of entry. The agency also serves as the Governor’s advisor and point of contact for those interested in opportunities at the state’s ports of entry.
The New Mexico Border Authority facilitates infrastructure development, trade opportunities, job creation, workforce training and other activities that contribute to a productive economy along the New Mexico border. The agency is administratively attached to the New Mexico Economic Development Department. For more information, visit www.nmborder.com.
