RFID technology installed at International Bridge

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTION

************************* Technology installation planned for Sault Ste. Marie Port of Entry

Improving to keep you moving

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - (September 15) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is announcing plans for installation and upgrading of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology which will help speed travel and further enhance border security at the Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie ports of entry this summer.

These land border ports are among the nation’s 39 busiest entry points along the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada to receive the new technology upgrade over the next several months.

“We want to reassure travelers that the brief construction period at the International Bridge during this week will be accomplished with a minimum impact on traffic flow,” said Christopher Perry, CBP director of field operations in Detroit.

“The deployment and upgrading of RFID readers at our passenger vehicle crossings will be a significant step in helping to reduce congestion and long lines. We want to thank the operators of the bridge for their cooperation during this construction. We also want to thank travelers for their patience during this construction phase and to encourage them to obtain one of the new RFID-enabled documents," Perry said.

Use of RFID will enable quicker processing at border crossings for travelers using new state-of-the-art travel documents.

These documents include the passport card – a wallet-sized, cost-effective alternative to the traditional passport specifically designed for cross-border land and sea travel – enhanced drivers' licenses that are being produced by several states, and CBP’s trusted travelers cards – NEXUS, FAST and Sentri.

These documents are the result of a new requirement, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a congressional mandate passed in 2004.

The requirement went into effect for air travel in January 2007.

Full implementation of WHTI for land and sea travel will go into effect June 1, 2009.

Construction is slated to occur at the following locations in Michigan:

- International Bridge: September 15 – 19, 2008 - Blue Water Bridge: September 15 - 19, 2008

Construction involves the installation of wiring and associated electronics, among other changes.

The installation of additional RFID components to complete the system will take place at the ports late this year or early next year.

This phased approach is designed to mitigate impact on port operations.

CBP continues to conduct public outreach events and stakeholder briefings throughout border communities nationwide this summer to answer questions about the technology deployment and provide additional information about WHTI and the variety of document options available to travelers. A sustained, large-scale advertising campaign will be launched later this year to advise national audiences in the United States and Canada about the WHTI requirement.

For more information about obtaining a passport or passport card, please visit the Department of State website by clicking here.

For additional information on states issuing enhanced drivers' licenses or any of CBP’s trusted traveler programs, which are also alternatives under the new requirements, please visit the CBP website by clicking here.

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