A planned commercial border crossing in San Luis, Ariz. moved a step closer last week.

The U.S. and Mexico exchanged diplomatic notes to formalize the need for the new port. "We're now a true entity," said Jim Chessum, administrator of the Greater Yuma Port Authority, which would oversee the port.
"Before we were just trying to be, and now we've got the blessing to be," he told the Associated Press.
Officials can now seek federal funds for the port. If the federal government doesn't agree to fund it, the project could be funded and built privately and the port leased to the government.
The port must also be approved by the International Water and Boundary Commission, which provides technical oversight for constructions crossing the border.
The port will lighten border traffic in San Luis by providing a new route for commercial traffic. It is also expected to lead to development and jobs for Yuma County residents.
"It's choking San Luis to have 400 trucks through the city every day," said Yuma County Supervisor Lucy Shipp.