Federal authorities plan to spend more than $400 million to upgrade ports of entry and surveillance technologies along the U.S-Mexico border.
Homeland Security Janet Napolitano outlined the spending plan Wednesday in San Diego as part of the federal economic stimulus package. Napolitano
The government will spend $269 million to upgrade ports, including San Diego's Otay Mesa -- a busy crossing for trucks -- Antelope Wells, N.M., and Nogales, Ariz.
The plan calls for $42 million for high-tech inspection equipment and $50 million for a high-tech surveillance systems along Arizona's border with Mexico.
Napolitano heads to Mexico City Thursday and Laredo, Texas, on Friday.
The new attention from the Obama administraton has resulted in a lot of national media attention for San Diego.
"A lot of people if you only listen to the national press would think we've got drug cartels in San Diego everyday committing crime," San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has said.
While the attention is not always welcome attention, going national does give the mayor a chance to make matters clear.
"I think that's part of my obligation: to let people around the country know we have a safe place here come visit," Sanders added.
