JWC Meeting Minutes

December 13, 2003
Baltimore, Maryland

Cindy Burbank and Oscar de Buen welcomed the group and introductions were made.

The group approved the minutes from the prior meeting in Monterrey.

22 point Action Plan
The Status of the 22 Point Action Plan was discussed by Laura McCallum (DOS) and Enrique Ezcorsa (SRE). Sergio Pallares asked for a signed copy of the action plan. Gary Lakin presented an update for point #3 for transportation infrastructure along the border. Gary asked the JWC to participate in this task. Oscar stated that he would discuss the Mexican role with the delegation.

Action Item - Gary Lakin and Sylvia will draft a proposal for JWC's role in the "US- Mexico Critical Infrastructure Protection" to be presented at the next meeting or via e-mail.

Laura stated that Jennifer Haskel from the DOS is in charge of the $25 million for the smart border program. She resides at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. As of right now, the plan for the money is as follows:

$10.3M - 5 VACUS machines and 3 minivans
$2.3 M - Advanced Passenger Information System
$9.7M - Pre-cleared travelers- Sentry lanes (2 sentry lanes, Pedestrian, online enrolment, pay as you go)
$2.0 - Training and equipment to deter smuggling
$400K - simulation modeling for Mexican Ports (Border Wizard)

Oscar de Buen asked if this was a special project or will it be on going in the future years. Laura responded by saying that it was a special project (one time deal), but there is talk of continuing it for the 04, 05 & 06 cycles.

Mike Onder expanded on the conversation by explaining what Border Wizard was and its capabilities. Oscar stressed that consultation with the Mexican officials would be essential for the success of this project.

NAFTA- Opening border to Mexican domiciled Trucks
Tom Kozlowski of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration presented the status of this provision in NAFTA. He described the history of the provision and what has prevented it from taking place I previous administration. He explained that this administration was in favor implementing the provision and had taken action on it in Novemeber. However, that several lawsuits are now preventing the implementation. He also stated that FMCSA are proceeding with the preparation for the implementation by having an office open and ready to take applications and buy providing training classes to Mexican Trucking companies o the requirements.

Work Plan 2000 - 2002: Border Infrastructure Needs Assessment
The California delegation including Marney Cox of Source point presented the status of the project. The study area included 100 kilometers on either side of the border. The study had begun. The Literature and Legislative Review, Corridor Selection Method were completed and data collection had began. The Technical committee had proposed the selection method and was now asking the JWC to approve the proposal. The JWC accepted the proposal.

Work Plan 2000 - 2002: Geographic Information Systems
Roger Petzold presented on this item. He stated that several states still neded to submit their information. He also stated the subcommittee met in July to discuss some of the issues.

Work Plan 2000 - 2002: Coordination System at POE study
The Texas delegation presented the final report. The JWC accepted it. Claude Cortez asked about the status of the Phase three, which is the pilot, on the US side because the Mexican portion had already begun.

Work Plan 2003 - 2005: Otay Mesa ITS Project
Mike Onder proposed we include the adding the OTAY mesa ITS project to the JWC work plan for 2003-2005. This project was provided $1M in funding by a Corridor and Border Grant Program. Hamed Benouar of the University of California at Berkley presented the ITS project. The JWC accepted the premise of accepting the ITS project as part of the work plan as long as a scope of work was circulated, reviewed and approved by the members prior to the next meeting.

Work Plan 2003 - 2005: Innovative Financing Mechanisms
Fred Werner, team leader, presented the proposal that was previously circulated to the members. There was much discussion on this item and finally the JWC decided to approve #1 part (a) and (b) as shown and approve #1 part (c) and (d) as modified. Additionally this group is to convene a financial stakeholders/ partners group to help develop criteria for a pilot. Number 1 Part (e) was added to state. The team will develop selection criteria for a pilot project with the representative from the US and Mexico public financing community.

Work Plan 2003 - 2005: GIS
The GIS proposal was accepted as shown. The participant also stated that it could be funded with BTEP funds.

Work Plan 2003 - 2005: Identification of Bottlenecks along the Border
The California delegation made a presentation on this item. The JWC requested more time to review the methodology and scope of work. Sergio agreed to give Sylvia the scope of work and power point presentation on this item. The scope of work will then be circulated and issues on the methodology will be resolved prior to the next meeting.

Work Plan 2003 - 2005: Coordination System at POE pilot study
The Texas delegation proposed including the phase 3 of the previous study incorporated into the 2003- 2005 work plan. The JWC accepted with the condition that the scope of work be circulated and approved prior to the next meeting.

Border Governor Meeting Results
Gus de la Rosa presented on the Results of the Border Governors meeting

Border Technology and Exchange Program
Lisa Dye spoke of the efforts to establish T squared centers in Mexico. Steve Gay reiterated the support from FHWA. Juan Avilas spoke about his personal exchange program. His program is designed to reinforce the T squared program in Mexico by determining necessities and priorities and identifying best practice applications.

Commitments and Action Items
Claude and Sylvia reviewed the meetings action items and commitments alson with the progress on the previous meetings list.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in Mexico City in late May or June.