Owens Announces Customs and Border Protection Increases at New York Crossings

Press Release

Following the recent announcement of border staffing increases, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released the estimated number of additional officers to be placed at ports of entry in the North Country by the end of fiscal year 2015. Estimates from CBP for staffing increases at each port of entry are as follows:

Alexandria Bay: 20

Champlain: 20

"Canadian tourism and trade account for thousands of New York jobs and billions of dollars in U.S. economic activity every year. Providing these much-needed border resources will make it easier and more affordable for companies in the North Country to sell their products and services in Canada, encouraging economic growth and job creation throughout the region," said Rep. Owens. "These additional officers will bring added security and ensure that tourism and trade can continue to grow."

As co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus and member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Rep. Owens continues to advocate for $105 million in fiscal year 2015 funding for critical improvements to the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry facility. Owens will also be hosting an event titled "Investing in the 21st Century Trade Infrastructure: Modernizing our Borders to Expand Trade, Create American Jobs, and Promote Economic Growth" with Reps. O'Rourke, Cramer and Barber in Washington, DC tomorrow. More on this event to come.

Source