The Peru Gazette

(Posted in the order received)

Assemblyman Billy Jones: Reduced Border Hours will negatively impact the North Country

“I am disappointed and dismayed by the recent decision from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency to reduce the hours at border crossings across the North Country. This will have a negative impact on families and businesses along the border who rely on these crossings and now must travel further to get to their desired destinations. Some of the ports of entry affected like the one at Chateaugay are commercial ports, which will lead to delays for commerce coming through the North Country. This is a huge inconvenience and I have heard from many businesses and residents who will be negatively impacted by this decision. I encourage folks to reach out to our federal representatives- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand- to make sure your voices are heard regarding this important issue.”

STEC TO U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: “YOU CAN’T HAVE A PART-TIME BORDER!”

Senator blasts federal decision to reduce operating hours at four northern border crossings

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today expressed his outrage over the decision by United States Customs and Border Protection to reduce operating hours at four northern border crossings in New York State. Given the unique relationship between communities on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border, as well as the turmoil created in this region by the illegal immigration crisis, the move to reduce these operating hours will have a major impact on the safety and well-being of thousands of New Yorkers.

“Communities along the U.S.-Canadian border have a special bond, with residents on each side serving to assist the other as firefighters and EMS first responders,” said Stec. “Just today because of this mutual assistance pact, two Canadian fire companies used one of these crossings to respond to a structure fire in Chateaugay. Emergencies don’t happen on a planned timetable; if a community along the border is in need of assistance, a closed crossing means emergency crews will have to take substantive, lengthy detours to provide aid. It can quite literally be the difference between life and death. In less than a day, I’ve already heard from multiple fire departments and first responders about how much more difficult this will make emergency response in our rural communities.

“Someone needs to tell federal officials and Democrat leaders that you can’t have a part-time border.”