|
Published: September 02, 2008 11:03 pm
BORDER: A new Nexus of cross-border travel
Appilcations for program now available at Whirlpool Bridge
By Don Glynn E-mail Don
Niagara Gazette
Residents on both sides of the border can now enroll in the NEXUS program — for low-risk, pre-approved travelers — at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge in Niagara Falls.
The first NEXUS center in Western New York, the new facility that opened Tuesday, eliminates the need to travel to Fort Erie, Ont., to enroll.
“This (NEXUS) program affords many benefits not only to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection but to the many trusted and legitimate travelers that rely on efficient cross-border travel,” said James T. Engleman, director of field operations for the CBP’s Buffalo Field Office.
Engleman spoke at a media briefing that included federal and local government officials from the U.S. and Canada, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission officials, and tourism agency representatives from both sides of the river.
“NEXUS is a common sense, modern way to strike the right balance between enhanced security and faster, more efficient travel between Canada and the U.S,” Engleman said.
The non-refundable processing fee for the NEXUS card, valid for five years, is $50. The Whirlpool Bridge is restricted to NEXUS card holders who often complete the crossing in less than a minute or two, unless a secondary inspection is warranted.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and older; While there is no cost for children 17 and younger, they are still required to submit applications.
To date, nearly 38,000 individuals have been enrolled, Engleman said.
Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-29th District, said people must keep in mind that $1.5 billion in trade crosses the border every day. “We have to do everything we can to expedite the continuation of that since it is our economic life blood,” she said.
After helping cut the ribbon with about a dozen other officials, Slaughter immediately entered the enrollment center to become the first applicant for the NEXUS there. The congresswoman quipped that she had applied for her card in January “but it was misplaced somewhere.”
Gary Burroughs, the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., was the first person to have a NEXUS card renewed at the new enrollment office.
Minister of Justice Rob Nicholson, who also is the attorney general of Canada, said the new center will make it more convenient for residents in the Niagara Region to apply for the program. “With trusted programs like this, our government is taking action to facilitate the flow of commerce and travel while securing our border.”
Janice A. Thomson, chair of the eight-member Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, noted the current $2.35 round-trip toll on the Whirlpool span for Nexus card holders is the lowest rate for any of the international bridges. It is 28 percent cheaper than the toll at the other crossings, Thomson added.
The enrollment center adjacent to the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge was formerly a commercial shipping facility. The building with state-of-the-art equipment was renovated by Customs and Border Protection for an estimated $180,000.
The center will be open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What you’ll need to cross the border
Effective June 1, 2009, travelers will be required to present a valid and acceptable document that proves both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea.
On the U.S.-Canada border, travelers will be able to select from one of these options:
• A passport
• A state-issued enhanced driver’s license
• The new U.S. passport card
• The two Trusted Travel Program cards (NEXUS and FAST), which are accepted already.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security.
|
|
|
|
 |
Cook Manager
COOK /Manager full time exp. req. Call for appt. 297-2500 ask for general manager. ...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service CARPET CLEANING $400-$600/week Our customers have cleaning fever. Openings for men & wom...>MORE
Instructors
Join Our Team! Would you like to work on a top performing team who is ranked 17th in the nation and have the opport...>MORE
Auditor/Accountant
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS EXAM DATE: 1/9/10 FILING PERIOD: 11/9/09 -11/25/09 Applicants for both exams mu...>MORE
RN
RN, Director of Quality / Education: to plan, organize, develop and direct all staff development and CQI programs. North...>MORE
Insulation Installer
Insulation Installers. Exp. preferred but will train the right candidates. Start $8-$10/hr. Earn $15. in less than 30 da...>MORE
Service greeter
Service greeter wanted, PT entry level. Looking for someone with strong customer service skills to work in our fast grow...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE Practitioner, PT including one evening, resume 533 Meadow Dr, Suite 2, N. Tona, NY 14120 or fax 693-4807...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
Job Fair
HUMAN SERVICES JOB FAIR For COMMUNITY MISSIONS
Program Locations/Job Opportunities working w/c...>MORE
See all ads |
Mazda 1995 Millenia
Mazda 1995 Millenia loaded, leather, only 26k mi. exc. cond. $2995. Best Offer 531-3548 or 297-1526...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
2000 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 2000 Caravan, V6, power everything, excellent body, runs great, $2195. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
1995 Plymouth Neon
Plymouth ‘95 Neon, 4 cyl, auto, 4 dr, exc in & out, 1 owner, only 56k orig. mi, no rust. $2195. 523-7102 ...>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer. 298-5220...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|