No. H120/05
For release May 27, 2005

PHASE TWO OF BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE 
FUND IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN AT THE PEACE BRIDGE

FORT ERIE, ONT — The Government of Canada and the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority today announced the start of construction for phase two of the Border Infrastructure Fund improvements at the Peace Bridge.

This project marks the second, and final, phase of construction to improve the Canadian Border Plaza at the Peace Bridge. The improvements are part of a three-year effort by the Government of Canada and the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority to reduce border congestion and expand infrastructure capacity at the bridge. This involves a total commitment of $42 million shared equally by the federal government and the bridge authority.

"The Peace Bridge is Canada’s third busiest crossing for passenger vehicles and trucks," said Welland MP John Maloney, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. "I am pleased that these improvements to the Canadian Plaza will help ensure that goods, services and people move smoothly and safely through this critical border point."

The Border Infrastructure Fund is a Government of Canada program created to support initiatives in the Smart Border Action Plan by funding projects that reduce border congestion, improve the flow of goods and services, and expand infrastructure over the medium term.

Phase one has been completed in Canada and included the relocation of toll booths to Canada, the construction of a new truck road exiting the customs booths, implementation of a truck staging area and a FAST bypass lane, and relocation of the Commercial Vehicle Processing Centre to the Fort Erie Truck and Travel Centre. Work on phase one in the United States continues with the construction of three new commercial customs booths and a relocated duty-free shop. These improvements will increase commercial capacity and efficiency by 75 per cent and are scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2005.

Phase two involves the extension of a truck queuing lane, and relocation of the primary and secondary customs traveller facilities complete with the integration of bus processing facilities.

"These changes will make more efficient use of plaza space, provide easier access to the NEXUS lane and keep standing traffic off the bridge, allowing more flexible, efficient lane utilization," said John Lopinski, Chairman of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.

The FAST program offers expedited clearance processes for eligible goods to pre-authorized importers, carriers and drivers. The NEXUS program is designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. These clearance programs ease congestion, enhance security and improve risk assessment by allowing border officials to focus their efforts on shipments of higher or unknown risk. NEXUS and FAST are joint Canada-United States initiatives involving the Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection.

In addition, phase two includes construction of a relocated Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority toll administration building to be constructed with a First Nations interpretive centre in the lobby. This aspect of the project is being developed in partnership with the town of Fort Erie and the local First Nations community.

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