Gov. Gregoire�s statement on border symposium

For Immediate Release: February 24, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on the Pacific Northwest Economic Region symposium held in Washington, D.C., which focused on border issues and improvements:

�Today, I spoke to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region symposium to address important trade partnerships and border priorities for Washington state. After meeting with our partners from Canada and other Northwest states, I continue to be encouraged by the progress we�re making to ensure cross-border cooperation. Now more than ever, we need regional solutions to help our families, businesses and our shared economies prosper � solutions that the Northwest region is providing.

�With Washington�s and British Columbia�s successes in implementing an enhanced driver�s license, residents from both jurisdictions are crossing the border safely and quickly. This will be particularly helpful for those traveling to next year�s Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. Our enhanced driver�s license and other traffic improvements will also allow cargo to move efficiently, boosting commerce opportunities at the regional level.

�Word of our successful border enhancements is spreading, and will lead to more tourism and trade. With the innovations and successes we�re having in the Northwest, I am confident that the federal government will have proven models to follow as it considers border solutions at other crossings.�