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About the TBWG
Providing a Common Voice on the Canada / U.S. Border
In 2000, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada
signed a Memorandum of Cooperation which highlighted the importance
of coordination between the U.S. and Canada on transportation along
our shared border. The MOC cited the need for "increasing the degree
and speed of communication" between U.S. DOT and Transport Canada,
as well as the need for "meeting more regularly to conduct information
exchanges and discuss issues of mutual concern."
Out of this spirit the Transportation Border Working Group (TBWG) was
born. The TBWG first met in Windsor, Ontario in January 2002. Its first
item of business was to establish a core membership group, which includes
federal, state and provincial entities from both sides of the border.
The members then collaborated on an Action Plan, which identified its
key priorities to focus initial efforts. These priorities have included
data collection and analysis, border technology programs, and communications/information
exchange.
The TBWG meets twice annually, with meetings rotating between the U.S.
and Canada. In addition, subcommittees on data, technology and communications
issues collaborate year-round on projects and initiatives.
While the TBWG membership includes primarily government agencies, they
work with other partners on border transportation issues, including
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), chambers of commerce, stakeholder
coalitions and the private sector.
Simply put, the mandate of the TBWG is to enhance bi-national and interagency
communication and coordination, transportation planning, and policy
development affecting infrastructure, transportation initiatives and
border processes in order to facilitate the efficient, safe, secure
and environmentally responsible cross-border movement of people and
goods between Canada and the United States.
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