Getting a passport is getting easier here in Western New York, with a one-stop passport agency soon to set up shop. The passport office will be fully operational by next year. And our two area congressmen say this is a great step towards increasing traffic across the Peace Bridge, and it will hopefully fuel economic growth in Western New York.
Right now if you want to get a passport, you have to mail away for it. But that will soon change, because the U.S. State Department has decided to open up a passport office somewhere in our region. "The Peace Bridge is the busiest border crossing in North America. Its clearly justified," said Congressman Brian Higgins.
"The Peace Bridge exemplifies a huge economic engine here in Western New York and how much we rely on Southern Canada to come down here and use our shops," said Congressman Chris Lee.
This announcement is good news for Western New Yorkers because starting June 1, 2009 the rules for document identification are changing and a passport or an enhanced driver's license will be required to travel across the border into Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been trying to educate the traveling public about the upcoming changes so today they held an information booth in the Galleria Mall.
"Today we have a table set up to educate the public on the full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which will start June 1, 2009," said CBP Chief Kevin Cosaro.
Most of the people we asked are pleased they will be able to apply for a passport in person instead of having to mail away for it. "I have to get one for my baby, so anything that will make that easier," said passport holder Jeff O'Donnell.
Congressman Higgins hopes the new passport office will encourage more people to travel. "We want to remove from the mindset of Western New Yorkers to avoid the bridge and encourage cross border traffic between the U.S. and Canada."
Currently there are only 14 passport offices in the United States. Those new border identification requirements are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. To learn more about what you will need to travel across the border after June 1st, log onto: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
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