DHS secretary Ridge, in Canada, cites progress on ‘smart border? plan

DHS secretary Ridge, in Canada, cites progress on æsmart borderÆ plan    U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge has met Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan in Ottawa to discuss progress on the implementation of the Smart Border Action Plan.
   Ridge and McLellan agreed that both countries should discuss pre-screening commercial traffic, and work toward a pilot program that would allow full pre-clearance at the Fort Erie-Buffalo Peace Bridge.
   'By screening travelers, shipments and conveyances prior to their reaching the border through a bridge or tunnel, we will increase security and decrease congestion,' Ridge said in a statement. 'The discussions we started today about pre-clearing people and cargo will ultimately result in better protection for our shared border.'
   'We are now identifying additional steps that might be taken to further modernize the border,' McLellan said.
   As part of the Smart Border Action Plan, two new dedicated FAST lanes have been created. One is southbound at Pacific Highway in British Columbia, and Blaine, Wash., opening Oct. 20. The other new FAST lane is in both directions at the Windsor-Detroit Ambassador Bridge, opening Nov. 1.
   Canada has committed to partner with the United States in the Container Security Initiative by deploying officials from the Canada Border Services Agency to target and certify shipping containers in a foreign marine port.