US Customs and Border Protection Ajo Housing Development ... - GSA

Pacific Rim Region
Project Fact Sheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Housing Development Project –
Ajo, Arizona
OBJECTIVES
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has initiated a program to address the current and future housing needs for
mission-critical personnel located at the United States borders.
BACKGROUND
CBP is currently seeking to increase security efforts along US borders. A key component of that effort is to increase the
number of Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations personnel along the Southwestern Border. Given the remoteness and
sparse development of these areas, one of the most significant barriers to increasing enforcement efforts in these areas is the
lack of available housing for agents, officers, and their families. An appropriately sized housing development within
reasonable proximity to the port or station minimizes commute times, saves officers both time and money, and would create a
sense of community among the agents.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are for the development of a comprehensive strategy for CBP housing. The objective is to develop a
standard housing model to achieve consistent quality and performance. CBP has engaged GSA to manage the construction of
the housing. CBP selected Garrison Architects (GA) from a pool of competing architectural/engineering (A/E) firms on
GSA’s indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract.
SITE
The proposed sites at 55 S. Sahuaro Street and 801-841 W. Esperanza Avenue in the township of Ajo, Arizona, are seven
parcels totaling approximately 13-acres. Completion of the appropriate environmental review and documentation is the first
step in getting the project underway. GSA has prepared a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental
Assessment (EA) to determine impacts to the social, economic, or natural environment. The 55 S. Sahuaro Street and 801-
841 W. Esperanza Avenue sites were the viable sites after careful review of several alternative sites. The site is well-suited
since the former military housing lots are laid out and utility-ready. The site is currently a partially occupied mobile home
park. Ajo has schools and community services to offer CBP families.
PLAN
Depending on the availability of funding, current plans call for 22 single-family housing units with landscaping and all
supporting infrastructure. Construction would begin in 2011. The EA is being presented for public review through December
17, 2010. Copies are available at the Ajo Public Library 33 N. Plaza Street or on the web at www.gsa.gov/nepalibrary. Upon
final approval of the EA, site acquisition and development would begin. Relocation services will be provided for the current
residents at the 55 S. Sahuaro Street site in accordance with federal regulations
BENEFITS
Ultimately the development of federal housing at 55 S. Sahuaro Street will result in a financial benefit to the retail businesses
in the Ajo vicinity. The eventual relocation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and families to the township will
undoubtedly help invigorate commercial businesses that sell commodities and services in the community. The proposed
project allows the CBP officers and their families to become an integral and active part of the community. The CBP officers
and their families living in the Ajo housing will find the locale more convenient and safer than residing a greater distance
from their job sites. With their families close by in a pleasant, nurturing community such as Ajo, overall officer morale and
sense of community will improve. All of which are important factors in recruiting CBP officers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
gene.gibson@gsa.gov..
Ms. Gene Gibson, GSA Regional Public Affairs Officer at 415-264-9401 or