DERBY LINE — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency are saying that Vermont will be receiving 10 new officers, five of which will come to Derby Line. On Monday, the agency announced that they will be bringing in 2,000 additional border protection officers to further enhance security and improve service at ports of entry across the country.
In the case of Derby Line, the move will address slow border crossings into the U.S. that can negatively impact Vermont businesses. During summer travel months, wait times at the port can be more than a few hours long.
Derby Line and Highgate Springs ports of entry have been recognized as being the most in need of this increase in officers.
The need for additional staff at Derby Line has been an issue since 2009. From January 2009 to July 2013, Derby Line saw a 21 percent decrease in its staff, according to research done by Senator Bernie Sanders’ office.
The five new officers should be in Derby Line by the end of September of 2015.
The Department of Commerce estimates the rate of travel into the United States will increase by 3.4 to 4.3 percent annually in the coming years. That growth will represent an additional 17 million visitors when compared to 2012 numbers.
