Canada Customs to get new lane booths at bridge plaza

JOINT INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE AUTHORITY

NEWS RELEASE

******************* Joint International Bridge Authority approves 2006 budget

November 15, 2005 - Members of the Joint International Bridge Authority (JIBA) held their quarterly meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on Tuesday, November 8.

A number of items were on the agenda, including the approval of the 2006 budget.

"All in all, there won't be any significant changes in the budget this year," said Phil Becker, International Bridge general manager. "A slight increase in traffic definitely has had a positive budgetary influence, given that our operation is financially self-sufficient and relies primarily on toll revenue."

Bridge traffic has seen a slight but steady increase in 2005 with each month showing a modest gain over 2004 figures.

The board also approved $254,000 (CDN) for three new primary inspection lane booths for Canadian Customs. Some of the existing booths can no longer accommodate current equipment and functionality requirements.

"The JIBA board continues to investigate funding options for a new customs facility and inspection plaza in the face of an inadequate long-term revenue stream," Becker said.

"These new booths will help Canadian Customs meet current needs, plus the booths are reusable in a new facility."

Contrary to U.S. law, which provided U.S. government funding for the new U.S. Customs Facility, Canadian law requires the crossing operator, in this case the International Bridge Administration, to fund a new Canadian Customs facility from bridge revenue.

At the last meeting of the board in 2005, a new chair and vice chair also were elected.

American Terry Carrick, from Brimley, Mich., will take over as chair of the board.

James McIntyre, a Canadian from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is the new vice chair.

The JIBA agreement requires a change in leadership each year, with an American and a Canadian alternating as head of the board.

The JIBA board consists of three Canadian members and three U.S. members.

********************* SooToday.com background on this story

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