AFTER SCHUMER PUSH WORK TO RESTART ON CHURUBUSCO BORDER CROSSING, WILL LEAD TO MODERNIZED BORDER CROSSING FACILITY CAPABLE OF HANDLING TWO-WAY BORDER TRAFFIC BETWEEN US AND CANADA

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP)  will restart construction on the Churubusco border crossing after Schumer pushed the agency to do so. Just a short time ago, CBP was planning to halt the project after the Canadian government decided to close their side of the port. Schumer contacted DHS and CBP and asked them to reverse course saying that closure would cost the area construction jobs related to the project and cost local businesses who depend on commerce from Canadians. The construction will serve to modernize the facility, and support an expansion that will support twoway travel between Canada and the United States.
 
"Our businesses and construction workers in the North Country depend on this project to meet their bottom line and provide for their families. The Department of Homeland Security's initial decision to shut down the project just didn't make sense and I'm glad they've changed course," Schumer said. "Tourists coming from Canada are critical for our local businesses, we've got to do everything we can to support them and this border crossing facility is a big part of that."
 
Just last year a new border crossing facility was set to be constructed at the Churubusco, N.Y./Franklin Centre. The facility was slated for a $6.8 million upgrade a project that would create jobs and boost economic activity for small businesses in the North Country that depend on commerce from Canada. Work on the project was being done by MCC Construction who subcontracted work out to four local firms. The project was halted when the Canadian government decided to close its side of the border from U.S. border crossers. In response DHS through CBP decided to abandon the project, but after a continued push from Senator Schumer, both agencies reversed course today.
 
Schumer objected to DHS' decision to halt the project saying that closing the port of entry from Canadian visitors would cost jobs and hurt small businesses. After being pressed by Schumer to restart construction, DHS and CBP announced today they would resume construction and the project will go forward. The project's completion will keep open an important commercial pipeline for New York's businesses and maintain jobs for construction workers. Schumer also pressed the Canadian government to reverse course and open up their side to New Yorkers - the new construction project slated to begin next month will support potential travel resulting from that decision.
 
Once the project is completed it will continue to be open to travelers from 8am to 4pm, seven days per week.
 
Schumer added, "Having Canadians come into New York is important for our businesses, but it's just as important for the Canadian government to allow New Yorkers to pass through. I hope Canada's government changes course and begins to allow New Yorkers to come through Churubusco again. Thanks to today's news, we know we'll have the facilities and security equipment to handle the traffic."