$20 million to go to Blaine truck crossing

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced February 25 that more than $20 million in federal funds is planned to be used to increase the number of inspection lanes at the Pacific Highway truck crossing. Work is also planned for the Lynden and Sumas crossings.

Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law President Joe Biden signed into law in 2021, $3.4 billion is available for GSA to build and modernize land ports of entry on the northern and southern U.S. borders, according to the GSA news release. The investments are intended to improve commerce and trade, create jobs and incorporate sustainability features as well as support U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission to safeguard America’s borders.

According to the plans, GSA would add four vehicle entry lanes at the Pacific Highway truck crossing, bringing the total to 10 primary inspection lanes. A new canopy and expanded bays for secondary inspections are planned as well.

Work on the Lynden crossing would include adding two passenger car lanes and three commercial inspection lanes. Sumas would get another passenger and two commercial lanes.

No project deadlines have been announced, but planning is expected to start in the next several months.