New port of entry construction launched with groundbreaking

Politicians and officials with local, state and federal governments joined with about 120 invited guests to break ground for the new U.S. Land Port of Entry to be built in Calais. Governor John Baldacci, Senator Susan Collins and a representative of Senator Olympia Snowe, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, the administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency actually tasked with overseeing the construction, and the director of operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all appeared and spoke at the site, above the St. Croix River in the city's industrial park.

Governor Baldacci was the first of the speakers to point out that this was the first new border crossing to be constructed in the past 20 years. He praised the cooperation of all those involved in the process of building a new bridge across the St. Croix, citing representatives of every level of government, from both sides of the border, as well as citizens and business people who encouraged and lobbied for the project.

Senator Collins said that "our new front door will be both secure and welcoming" and noted that over $63.5 million in federal funding had been provided for the project.

Rep. Michaud opened his remarks by thanking the people on the ground who work day in and day out to protect the country and speed the flow of traffic across the border. "We will provide those who protect us with the resources they need" to fulfill their duties. He said that people must recognize "the need for increased vigilance at our borders" since 9/11, but reiterated that "we have a strong connection with our friends to the north," which makes possible the kind of cooperative venture that is needed for a new crossing.

Gail Kelly, a representative for Senator Olympia Snowe, read a statement from the senator. She called the new crossing "an innovative partnership between the U.S. and Canadian governments" aimed at "restoring the efficient flow of goods and materials" between the two countries. The statement described the new crossing as "an undeniable source of pride for Americans and Canadians" and said that "all the hard work invested by so many is now poised to pay dividends."

Lurita Doan, GSA administrator, noted, "This is the first time that four Ports of Entry are under construction simultaneously, with both on the northern border here in Maine." The other new port of entry is at Jackman. She said that her agency "will build what we can, where we can C roads, inspection booths" to help speed up the flow of traffic across the border, within the constraints of the budget. She said that "the GSA is trying to ignite a building boom at our Ports of Entry," citing the location of this port in the Calais Industrial Park.

CPB Director Steven Farquharson spoke of his agency's "dual responsibilities to both facilitate lawful travel while preventing dangerous people and cargo" from entering the United States. He viewed the new facilities at Calais as being one part of the requirements to "meet the threats and challenges of the 21st century."

The dignitaries proceeded uphill from the tented site where they spoke, alongside the corps of huge construction vehicles that were parked for the weekend, to the actual site of the construction. With shovels adorned with red, white and blue ribbons, they turned the traditional shovelful of earth to mark the start of construction, several times for the assembled guests and media.