Representative Ciscomani Joins Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins as USDA Announces $25 Million Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Arizona and Reopening of Douglas Port to Livestock Trade
'This is Secretary Rollins' second visit to Arizona in just a few months, reflecting her commitment to hearing directly from those on the ground and delivering real results for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.'
Tucson, AZ - Following months of advocacy to strengthen Arizona’s defenses against the New World screwworm, Representative Ciscomani today joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Douglas as the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $25 million investment to reestablish a sterile fly dispersal facility and the reopening of the Douglas Port of Entry in Southern Arizona, safely resuming cattle imports from Sonora while strengthening the nation’s response to the New World screwworm threat through robust biosecurity measures.
The two announcements came during Secretary Rollins’ second visit to Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District this year, highlighting the Administration’s continued partnership with Southern Arizona’s agricultural community.
"I was proud to join Secretary Rollins for today’s announcement of the reopening of the Douglas Port of Entry alongside this critical investment in Arizona," said Rep. Ciscomani. "Local agriculture leaders and I have been fighting to deliver this sterile fly dispersal facility because Arizona’s livestock industry cannot afford to wait on the New World screwworm threat. This $25 million investment is the direct result of that work, and I’m grateful to Secretary Rollins for listening to Arizona’s producers and delivering on it. Her responsiveness and willingness to act swiftly on commonsense solutions has made a real difference. This is Secretary Rollins' second visit to Arizona in just a few months, reflecting her commitment to hearing directly from those on the ground and delivering real results for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities."
Earlier this month, Ciscomani also championed the University of Arizona’s successful application for a $3.74 million USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Grant, which will expand research, surveillance, education, outreach, and the development of innovative detection technologies to strengthen Arizona’s preparedness and rapid-response capabilities. Together, these investments reinforce Arizona’s leadership in preventing and combating the New World screwworm threat.
Representative Ciscomani has worked closely with Secretary Rollins, USDA officials, and Arizona producers to advance science-based solutions to combat New World screwworm, and consistently advocated for a domestic sterile fly dispersal facility as a key part of the nation’s long-term response.
Today’s announcements were applauded by John Ladd, President of Cochise-Graham Cattle Growers Association.
"And after today, let's go for it. This is what we need to do. And this has been a really good example of all of the representative, senators, and secretaries of how it works when you have quality people and I'm proud to be here. Thank you," said Ladd.
Today’s announcements by the USDA built on the representative's longstanding advocacy to strengthen Arizona’s agricultural economy through targeted investments in research and biosecurity while supporting the lawful trade between the United States and Mexico.
Read local coverage of today's announcements from KGUN 9 HERE.
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