Brian Higgins & Canada’s Ambassador To U.S. Have Productive Discussion Toward Improving Border Efficiency
News from U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26)
Posted September 8th, 2010 on Niagara At Large
Buffalo, New York – Congressman Brian Higgins is encouraged that progress will be made to address staffing issues on the border between the United States and Canada following today’s Northern Border Caucus meeting in Washington, D.C. with Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton.
U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, representing the Buffalo, New York area has been an ongoing voice for improving the flow of traffic at Buffalo/Niagara border bridges
Prior to the meeting with the entire caucus, the Congressman and the Ambassador met briefly and discussed the specific staffing and the resulting traffic problems at the Niagara River crossings.
Congressman Higgins, who serves as Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus and is a member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs, previously led a letter requesting increased U.S. staff levels which were later implemented along the US/Canada border. However in recent months Canada Border Services Agency staffing shortages have contributed to lengthy delays for motorists crossing at the Peace Bridge and other international crossings.
“Full and adequate staffing on both sides of the border is essential to alleviating bottlenecks and encouraging a welcoming cross-border exchange that feeds our binational economies,” said Congressman Higgins.
Higgins discussed the staffing issue at the Northern Border Caucus meeting and followed up his verbal conversation with Ambassador MacNaughton with a letter supporting continued collaboration between the U.S. and Canada consistent with the goals included in the “Beyond the Border initiative” and specifically the need to address Canadian staffing levels.
The Peace Bridge crossing the upper Niagara River between Fort Erie/Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo, New York
Rep. Higgins’ Western New York district borders Canada and includes four international crossings between the neighboring countries. Higgins is a vocal advocate on efforts to improve border efficiency including support for the recent truck cargo Pre-inspection pilot project and the need for continued infrastructure investments including the Peace Bridge Plaza Gateway project which is currently under construction.
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