SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE SENATE GREENLIGHTS ALEXANDRIA BAY PORT OF ENTRY PROJECT

Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Proposal to Move Forward with Much-Needed Upgrades to Alexandria Bay Border Crossing

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved a proposal greenlighting the Government Services Administration (GSA) to move forward with construction upgrades at the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry (POE).   

“The long over-due, desperately needed makeover of the Alexandria Bay Border Crossing is now cleared for take-off,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “The movement of people, goods, tourists and services across the border is the lifeblood of the North Country’s economy and this massive $105 million federal investment in a safe, modern and efficient port of entry will undoubtedly support regional growth.”

“This investment is a significant victory that will support new jobs and encourage economic growth in the North Country,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “These long-overdue upgrades will create a more efficient and modern border crossing, help alleviate long wait times, and provide new opportunities for tourism and commerce in the region.”

The Alexandria Bay Port of Entry in Jefferson County is a major crossing between the United States and Canada. Work to upgrade the Port of Entry can move forward following passage of this authorizing resolution and the final Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law last month included the necessary $105 million in federal funding that Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been active in advocating for. The upgrades, which will be overseen by GSA, include renovations to vehicle inspection lanes, a commercial inspection warehouse, an impound lot, and a new veterinary building.

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