WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, today held a hearing about the level of security at our nation’s official ports of entry. Miller questioned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Assistant Commissioner, Thomas Winkowski, about CBP’s plans to move forward with the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) expansion project. In addition, Mr. Stan Korosec, Vice President of Operations at the Blue Water Bridge Canada, testified before the subcommittee, highlighting ideas he believes can improve the flow of traffic at the Bridge to make it more efficient.

“Today in my hearing on securing our nation's ports of entry, I questioned CBP Assistant Commissioner Winkowski about the agency’s plans to move forward with the current BWB Plaza expansion project. As the second busiest commercial crossing on the northern tier, it is vitally important to our national and economic security we complete this plaza in a timely manner so we can strike the right balance of trade facilitation and security,” Miller said. “CBP Assistant Commissioner Winkowski highlighted that the process for an expansion project takes years and is subject to funding availability. I reiterated to Assistant Commisisoner Winkowski that the BWB Plaza expansion project has been waiting nearly a decade for action and it is long past time for CBP to put the proper priority on this project because of its substantial impact on jobs, our economy and the steady flow of commerce. I also reminded him that the citizens of the City of Port Huron have already made substantial sacrifices to get this project moving as 55 acres of land have been taken by MDOT for this project, all of which is not needed for the new plan being considered, and all of that land is sitting idle. It is vital that this project is concluded quickly so that the excess land can quickly be put back into a productive purpose that will create jobs and add to the tax base.”

“Mr. Stan Korosec, outlined areas to improve efficiency and security during the interim period before the expansion project is finished. One of the suggestions Mr. Korosec put forward was to stagger the booths leading into the inspection areas. This will substantially expedite the flow of traffic and reduce wait times,” said Miller. “Mr. Korosec also stated that the Bridge Authority had made an offer to CBP of financial assistance for this project, but they have yet to get a response. Continued inaction is unacceptable and I intend to send strong communication to CBP urging them to immediately sit down with representatives of the Blue Water Bridge, as well as the Michigan Department of Transportation, to find a solution to the problems that are keeping this project from moving forward.”

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