Recently, U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new U.S. Border Station in Jackman. The new 62,730 square foot station will replace the existing facility which is antiquated and not equipped to efficiently process the increased volume of traffic.
“One of the principles that guides my work on homeland security is that our borders must be closed to our enemies but always open to our friends,” said Senator Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “Here in Western Maine, that principle has a special meaning. On both sides of the border are lifelong friends and family members, shopping and medical services, churches, and all the other things that make a community. This new border station will serve us well. It is essential that our emphasis is on protection, but we must also strive to eliminate the congestion and delays that have resulted at the current facility that was built more than three decades ago.”
The current border inspection station at Jackman was one of 48 stations designed and constructed along the U.S. and Canada border during the 1960s. The new facility was designed by Orcutt Associates, Inc. of Portland and is scheduled for completion in 2010.