COLLINS WORKS TO RETAIN INTL TRAVEL FROM BANGOR AND RAISE CANADIAN PERSONAL EXEMPTION LIMIT

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Susan Collins today met on Capitol Hill with the US Ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, to discuss issues related to international passenger travel through the Bangor International Airport and parity among US/Canadian personal exemption allowances for merchandise purchased abroad by returning residents. Senator Collins has been working for some time to address both issues, which have a direct impact on the economy in Maine.

The first issue at hand is related to Senator Collins' efforts to preserve Bangor International Airport's ability to attract international passengers. At issue is a plan by the Halifax International Airport to provide international passengers with the ability to obtain "pre-clearance" into the US at the airport. International passengers are currently required to clear through customs after they reach their destination airport in the U.S. Senator Collins strongly opposes the plan arguing that it will take passengers away from Bangor International Airport and provide the Halifax Airport with an advantage in attracting the same passengers.

Senator Collins said, "For many passengers of commercial and charter aircraft, Bangor Airport is their first stop in the US. These international passengers are not only welcome to Bangor, they are vital to the airport's revenue stream. Providing the Halifax Airport with the ability to pre-clear passengers will put Bangor Airport at a serious disadvantage that the airport cannot afford."

Senator Collins also recently contacted the State Department and spoke to an Office of Management and Budget nominee to express her concern about pre-clearance rights for the Halifax Airport.

The second issue that Senator Collins addressed with Ambassador Cellucci is that of personal exemption parity. Current personal exemption allowance puts Maine businesses near the Canadian border at a considerable disadvantage in relation to their Canadian counterparts.

A United States resident traveling to Canada for fewer than 24 hours is exempt from paying duties on $200 worth of merchandise. For trips over 48 hours, the exemption increases to $800 worth of merchandise.

Whereas, a Canadian traveling to the US is allowed a personal exemption of approximately $14 for a visit lasting less than 24 hours and $120 for a 48-hour visit. This is a significant deterrent to Canadians who would otherwise shop in Maine communities.

Senator Collins has been working to correct the personal exemption issue and recently authored a resolution, which passed the US Senate on September 18, 2003, which seeks parity between all NAFTA countries with respect to personal exemption limits.

Ambassador Cellucci pledged to work with Senator Collins on both issues, recognizing that both have a direct impact on Maine's economy.