CBP seeks input on expanding U.S. border checkpoints capacity

CBP seeks input on expanding U.S. border checkpoints capacity    U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said Friday they want to receive trade industry recommendations on how to upgrade and expand key border crossing infrastructure to speed the flow of commerce.
   The agency asked the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations (COAC) to create an infrastructure subcommittee that would look at overcoming construction project hurdles, but industry panelists said they wanted to wait until the next meeting in three months to let the new COAC membership decide how to take on this responsibility.
   Businesses on the Canadian and Mexican borders complain that they are not noticing tangible benefits from faster clearance of their cargo and trucks in exchange for participating in security programs such as Free and Secure Trade Lanes (FAST). Without enough lanes, for example, the agency can’t follow through on some of its promises to expedite shipments for pre-approved conveyances and cargo.
   Agency officials said they want recommendations on how to partner with local governments on building extra access lanes, examination lots and other improvements to reduce backups; funding packages; and how to speed up environmental and other regulatory reviews.
   COAC said the idea of a subcommittee had merit, but deferred making a decision so the new COAC members could have a hand in setting the goals and objectives of the subcommittee.
   Within the past nine months COAC has formed subcommittees on agriculture and maritime transportation security, as CBP takes on more security responsibilities to combat terrorism. Several weeks ago DHS Secretary Tom Ridge and Treasury Secretary John Snow signed a new charter for COAC formalizing its expanded security role ability to provide advice on a broader range of issues.
   COAC’s two-year charter expires at the end of the month. Nine of the 20 members have completed two terms and under law must be replaced. The 11 other eligible COAC members have all reapplied for a second term and are expected to be invited back, but Department of Homeland Security officials said there are no guarantees until they review all the applications.
   By statute COAC must be balanced geographically and politically.
   “These are pretty valuable spots. If someone doesn’t show up we have to take that into consideration,” said Elaine Dezinski, director of cargo and trade policy at DHS, on the sidelines of the meeting, held in Buffalo, N.Y.
   COAC members who have completed their term limits include: Sandra Scott, Yellow Roadway Corp.; Arthur Litman, FedEx Trade Networks; Tim Van Oost, BP; John Peterson, C.H. Powell Co.; Renee Stein, Microsoft; and Michael Laden, Target Customs Brokers.