Representatives of Arizona, the State of Sonora, as well as Federal Officials from Mexico will come together in Rocky Point Nov. 30th to Dec. 1st. Due in part to a big push from Peñasco Mayor Ernesto Munro, the city will act as the host for this important annual meeting.
The Arizona Mexico Commission, and the Comisión Sonora Arizona have been working together for years to improve relationships on both sides of the International border, and to promote the economic growth of the region as a whole.
At the most recent meeting of the AMC and the CSA, held last December in Hermosillo, Mexico, Arizona Governor Doug Ducky and Sonoran Governor Claudia Pavlovich announced agreements had been reached in a number of different areas. Among them was the agreement to establish an energy roadmap as the basis for shared energy policy, as well as cooperation on shared Environmental matters.
Perhaps of most interest to Rocky Point, the departments of Tourism from both States unveiled plans to promote the area as a mega region for tourism development.
Peñasco’s Home Port Project has come into the spotlight as an issue important to both states during the past year as well. Governors Pavlovich of Sonora, and Ducey of Arizona, met and issued a memorandum of understanding about both State’s intent in regards to the Home Port Project. Both sides expressed their willingness to expedite the provisioning of Cruise Lines using the Home Port, including having cross border supply lines be established.
The increased cross border cooperation has been expressed to Mexican Federal Officials. This is seen as key to encouraging the support needed from the Mexican Government. Four years into the project, half of the needed funds have been allowed. It is hoped that the the National Government will decide to fund the rest.
It is expected that cruises would depart from Rocky Point (also known as Puerto Peñasco), and tour the Sea of Cortez. It is thought that the majority of cruise customers would come from the states of Northern Mexico, as they are not as likely to depart out of California for cruises headed to stops back in Mexico. The Home Port Project is currently partially completed, and has languished for two years after an initial period of rapid progress. Funding is needed, as well as solid interest from a cruise ship company. Major cruise lines have been in talks with Mexican Officials over the use of the Home Port.
On completion, the project would be a boon for Rock Point as tourist come to the city prior to and after their cruise vacations.
Also of importance, the expansion of the border crossing at Lukeville/Sonoyta will be on the agenda.
The meetings will be held at the Convention Center, and are expected to bring an influx of tourists and a high profile to the city.