In a strategic move to enhance efficiency at the Buffalo and Fort Erie border crossing, the federal government has recently unveiled a substantial investment of $5 million in the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.
The allocated funds are earmarked for the implementation of cutting-edge non-intrusive inspection technologies for commercial vehicles, with the overarching goal of streamlining processing procedures and mitigating wait times for trucks entering the United States.
The announcement of this significant investment was made by Vance Badawey, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Transport, during an event held at the Peace Bridge. This financial boost, sourced from the National Trade Corridors Fund, is set to pave the way for the realization of "Pre-Arrival Readiness Evaluation 3.0," as outlined in an official news release.
This transformative project is poised to revolutionize the entry process for the massive influx of trucks that traverse the bridge into the U.S. each year, exceeding 1.1 million.
The implementation of state-of-the-art inspection technologies aims not only to expedite the processing of commercial vehicles but also to significantly reduce the wait times that have been a longstanding concern for both trucking companies and drivers alike.
Geoff Wood, Senior Vice-President of Policy at the Canadian Trucking Alliance and Ontario Trucking Association, welcomed the news with enthusiasm. He highlighted the strategic importance of the new pre-arrival facility, emphasizing its potential to serve as a catalyst in diminishing border wait times.
Furthermore, Wood underscored the positive ripple effect, stating that the initiative would play a pivotal role in facilitating Canadian exports and promoting seamless cross-border goods movement. The benefits, he believes, will be manifold, directly impacting member companies and their truck drivers.
“The new pre-arrival facility is designed to reduce border wait times for our member companies and their truck drivers while facilitating Canadian exports and cross-border goods movement to the benefit of our customers,” said Geoff Wood, senior vice-president, policy, of Canadian Trucking Alliance and Ontario Trucking Association.
The federal government has recently secured a funding of $5 million to upgrade the technology in the Buffalo-Fort Erie Bridge. This upgrade promises to enhance the truck processing system, enabling faster and more efficient processing of trucks, which will ultimately lead to improved trade and commerce in the region.
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