LEWISTON-AUBURN ON TRACK FOR CUSTOMS PORT DESIGNATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Badeau
Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council
784-0161
November 04, 2002
The U.S. Customs Service is expected to approve the designation of St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad’s Intermodal Facility in Auburn as a customs port of entry. Currently, truck shipments must go to Portland for inspection.
Both senators Snowe and Susan Collins have assisted the cities of Lewiston-Auburn with the customs request. The designation will eliminate international freight from having to go to Portland for Customs inspection, saving clients time and money, and allowing St. Lawrence & Atlantic the opportunity to attract many more.
In a letter from Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner to Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, the Port of Portland’s jurisdiction would be expanded to include the Auburn facility. According to press reports, although the facility currently processes about 500 international cargo containers annually, St. Lawrence has identified potential customers that would allow it to process at least 35,000 imported containers.
