Gov. Gregoire and B.C. Premier approve plan to improve cross-border travel

For Immediate Release: June 20, 2008

Both sign joint Border Action Plan, to be presented to federal governments

WESTBANK, B.C. � Gov. Chris Gregoire, along with British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell will lead missions to Ottawa and Washington, D.C to present both federal governments with a joint Border Action Plan. The plan was signed today in Westbank, B.C. at the third-annual B.C.-Washington joint cabinet meeting. Washington�s Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond co-chaired the meeting, and signed the agreement on the governor�s behalf.

�With the 2010 Olympics fast approaching, the time is now to tackle some of our border challenges,� said Gregoire. �We need secure borders. We also need a system in place that allows traffic to cross the border safely and quickly if we want to continue to promote trade and tourism. I appreciate the partnership Washington has developed with B.C., and I�m pleased with the progress we have made together so far. But we have more work to do. We can�t put this off any longer, and we need the cooperation of both federal governments to finish what we started.�

�B.C. and Washington share a $9.5-billion trade relationship, close personal ties, and strong cultural connections. Working with Governor Gregoire�s administration, we have reached agreements that will help improve the traffic situation at the border,� Premier Campbell said. �Both federal governments have supported B.C. and Washington on the Enhanced Drivers License program and Canada�s federal government has partnered with B.C. on a $285-million infrastructure improvement program. As the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games approach, it is important that all levels of government continue to partner to ensure we have a safe, secure border that is able to move people and goods efficiently.�

The agreement signed today by B.C. and Washington will see the province and state work together and engage with the federal governments for action on several key areas:

• Action on border infrastructure and operations:


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• Ensure that 10 booths are available on the U.S. side at Peace Arch for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games;

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• Ensure adequate staffing of the four Cascade border crossings, especially during the 2010 Olympics and upgrading of Peace Arch;



• Action on border waits and processing�improve infrastructure and upgrade secure RFID readers to support NEXUS, FAST and Enhanced Drivers Licences;



• Action to increase use of NEXUS and FAST�marketing to frequent border crossers in the Lower Mainland and Puget Sound areas in partnership with the business community, tourism industry, and regional organizations;



• Action on the Enhanced Driver�s License program�increase promotion, practical support, and consider Enhanced Drivers Licences as a valid document for Canada-U.S. air travel;



• Action to reduce emissions at the border�develop a joint anti-idling program and improve communication on wait times and line-up conditions for border crossings to help drivers make informed decisions about where and when to travel;



• Action on compatibility of cross border communications�ensure first responders can communicate effectively in emergency situations on both sides of the B.C.-Washington border and work to harmonize transportation communication systems.

More than 1.3 million trucks cross the U.S.-B.C. border each year. The four main ports of entry between B.C. and the Puget Sound area include the third-busiest passenger vehicle and the fourth-busiest commercial crossing along the U.S.-Canada border.

This is the third joint Cabinet meeting between B.C. and Washington. Since 2005, B.C. and Washington state have signed 17 agreements, including collaboration on climate action and Pacific Ocean preservation, forests, clean-technology market opportunities and the Enhanced Driver�s License.

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