A pair of lawmakers have introduced a measure they said seeks to designate New York’s Plattsburgh International Airport and Valley International Airport in Texas as Ports of Entry (POE).
Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mayra Flores (R-TX) recently introduced the Border Airport Enhancement Act, which also streamlines hiring new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents via exempting prior law enforcement, military or individuals with security clearances from a polygraph test.
“I’m working to ensure Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of families in Upstate New York and the North Country and providing access for tourists visiting our region,” Stefanik said. “The Border Airport Enhancement Act will provide the Plattsburgh International Airport with access to important services and also support CBP in its efforts to hire new agents. I will continue pushing for results on behalf of our communities in New York’s 21st District.”
The Plattsburgh International Airport and the Valley International Airport presently serve as the only two primary commercial service airports in close proximity to the northern border and southern border designated as user-fee airports, per authorities. This requires the airports to pay out of pocket for CBP services that include security screenings, cargo security and examinations and immigration inspections.
“Investing in our community is a priority for me, as well as for all residents of the RGV,” Flores said. “I firmly believe that by designating Valley International Airport as an official U.S. Port of Entry, we will not only encourage the growth of the City of Harlingen and VIA, but it will also best serve the air-connectivity needs of our region for decades to come.”