(Washington, D.C.)- In regard to news confirmed today that the Canada Border Services Agency (CSBA) will expand its seasonal operations at the Port of Wild Horse beginning March 1, 2011 to mirror extended hours on the U.S. side of the border, Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus issued the following statement:

"More traffic through the Port of Wild Horse means more good-paying jobs for the Hi-Line and across Montana. It's also a boon to business to have Canadians staying longer and spending money in our communities.  I'm pleased to see the CBSA responding to our requests to work with local community members who have been asking for extended hours at the Port of Wild Horse."

Additional Information:

The extended hours will be in effect from March 1 to October 31 and the port will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Last year, Senator Baucus introduced a customs reauthorization bill that included a pilot program that would designate up to 3 northern border ports of entry as 24-hour commercial ports. The bill aims to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with tools and resources to improve the movement of Montana's exports and ensure unsafe or counterfeit products do not harm Montanans. The bill remains a priority for Senator Baucus, and he intends to reintroduce it in the next Congress.

During a visit to Havre in August, Senators Baucus and Tester urged Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano to expand the hours of operation for the Port of Wild Horse. In response, Napolitano initiated an extended-hours pilot program for the Port of Wild Horse and pledged to closely collaborate with a working group comprised of local community members.

Contact: Kate Downen (406) 224-5056 or Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915

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