Concerned About Border Crossing Hours
Franklin County Economic Development Corporation is Concerned About Border Crossing Hours
Changes would limit hours of operation at two Franklin County crossings
Franklin County, New York – The Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) announced concerns regarding the planned reduction of hours at two U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) crossings located in Franklin County. Hours of operation at the Chateaugay and Trout River crossings, which are currently open 24 hours a day, are slated to be reduced to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning January 6, 2025. CBP is making the move, which affects crossings in seven northern states, to increase staffing at busier crossings.
Jeremy Evans, CEO of FCEDC, commented, “While we understand CBP’s goal of improving efficiency at high-traffic border crossings, these changes disproportionately impact residents and small businesses in our rural border communities. Two of the three crossings along Franklin County’s 30-mile border with Quebec are affected, creating significant inconvenience, increased costs, and potential loss of business for both U.S. and Canadian stakeholders. This comes at a time when many are still recovering from the economic and social impacts of the prolonged border closure during the pandemic. It feels as though rural residents and businesses are bearing an undue burden to support improvements at crossings in urban areas.”
Evans continued, “Franklin County’s economy is rooted in its small businesses and thriving tourism sector. Maintaining strong economic and social ties with our neighbors in Quebec is essential to our community’s resilience and growth. These hour reductions threaten to disrupt those vital connections.”
The FCEDC respectfully urges CBP to reconsider its decision to reduce operating hours at the Chateaugay and Trout River crossings. While supporting CBP’s efforts to address staffing challenges, FCEDC recognizes the importance of ensuring that these solutions do not come at the expense of Franklin County residents and businesses.
For more information about the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation, please visit www.adirondackfrontier.com.
About the Franklin County Economic Development Corp.
FCEDC is a unifying economic development organization that helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, fosters a shop-local, community-first culture, and works to attract visitors with the hope they’ll become locals.
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