BISMARCK – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the extension of hours of operation at four North Dakota border ports of entry. Starting January 6, CBP will add two hours to port operations, creating new hours at Fortuna and Noonan from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Neche from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Walhalla from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in coordination with Canada. Border Services Agency.

Together, CBP and CBSA are adjusting schedules at 38 ports of entry along the U.S. northern border. The adjustments formalize opening hours that have been in effect for more than four years at 13 of the northern border ports.

“This is good news for our border communities, agricultural producers, the tourism industry and travelers, but more must be done. Continued restricted hours of operation at ports of entry across the northern border pose a real challenge to our economy and the many industries that rely on trade with our close friend and ally, Canada. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, said in a press release. “With the arrival of the new administration, we will continue to work to ensure law enforcement, restore order along our nation’s borders, and return North Dakota’s ports of entry to their normal operating hours. functioning”, he said.

“As a northern border state, North Dakota’s 18 ports of entry play a critical role in facilitating cross-border travel and commerce. » U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, said in a press release. “While these adjustments to port of entry hours are essential, we must restore operating hours at our border to pre-pandemic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic is over and it is time for our port of entry hours to reflect this.

Hoeven is co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, R-ND, to require that CBP hours of operation at northern border ports of entry match or exceed pre-pandemic hours.

Hoeven said the failure of border policies resulted in the withdrawal of resources and personnel from the northern border. Hoeven worked as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide more infrastructure, personnel and technology to support Border Patrol agents in North Dakota.

The new permanent hours established by the January adjustment are 9am to 5pm in Carbury, Maida and Northgate; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in St. John and Westhope; and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Sherwood.

Most other North Dakota ports with Canada are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dunseith, Portal and Pembina are 24 hour ports.