PLATTSBURGH — Wednesday’s explosion at the U.S. and Canada border near Niagara Falls did not cause the border ports in Northern Clinton County to close, but it could lead to future delays for those crossing.
“It would only be logical to anticipate heightened security and likely some slower movement at northern border crossings for a time,” North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said.
SECURITY FIRST
Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) who served with the U.S. Border Patrol for 30 years, said the traveling public will have to be patient.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts and prayers go out to all those who were affected, to the people who protect our border, our communities and our country,” Henry said.
“This is something that is likely to have bigger effects for all of the border communities, especially in our area. It will be understandable if there are delays.”
Henry said the timing of this incident is challenging considering the region was just getting used to seeing border traffic return to normal after nearly three years of severe restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand the economic impact could be great, but we have to think of the safety of our border, our community and our country,” Henry said.
“This is all about national security and we get it.”
Douglas said he did not expect borders in this region to be closed, but cautioned travelers that they may have to wait longer than usual.
“This incident reminds us of the important and potentially hazardous work done every day by our U.S. and Canadian border officers — so many being our friends and neighbors — and why we always need to be patient as they do their jobs,” Douglas said.
“We have been in touch with federal officials and do not at this time expect a closure of Champlain or our other North Country crossings. It is only logical to expect heightened security.”
Douglas said border wait times in both directions at all crossings can be accessed via the Border Information section of the Chamber website at northcountrychamber.com.
TRIBE PREPARED
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was also warning travelers of possible delays in their region along the St. Lawrence River in Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties.
The tribe said extra precautions were being taken at all border crossings, including the Massena and Cornwall Port of Entries. As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, there were five lanes open at the Cornwall Port, and three lanes at the Massena Port of entry.
Precautions include vehicle searches, and heavier delays at the border which should be expected for those traveling into the southern border of Akwesasne, the tribe said.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there was expected to be heavier traffic than usual this weekend going through the Massena port of entry.
The tribe said the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police force was corresponding with the Massena Port of Entry and the State Police to provide any further updates as the situation developed.
“Community members can expect some delays going North as there is an additional check point set up before the International Bridge and we’re asking travelers to ensure they have proper ID’s and documentation,” Matthew Rourke, Chief of Police for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, said.
FEDERAL REACTIONS
North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) the House Republicans Conference Chair, said she was in contact with federal, state and local law enforcement as well as Customs Border Patrol regarding the incident.
“We will continue working to ensure all resources are made available to Northern Border law enforcement,” she said.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Intelligence Committee, said she was briefed on the explosion by the FBI.
“The FBI and relevant U.S. and Canadian authorities are investigating this incident thoroughly and quickly,” Gillibrand said.
“I will continue to monitor the situation closely and I urge the public to follow the guidance of the proper authorities. Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the actions of our brave first responders who responded to this situation.”