Hochul requests timetable from homeland security and commerce departments for U.C.-Canada action plan

Hochul encourages participation of local businesses in future pilot programs

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Commerce Secretary John Bryson requesting a timetable for the implementation of the U.S.-Canada "Beyond the Border Action Plan" and encouraging the inclusion of Western New York businesses in any pilot programs.

"On average, over one million dollars in goods cross the northern border every minute, and even marginal improvements to the facilities and operations of the Peace Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge will result in great economic benefits for Western New York," Hochul said.  "At my recent small business export forum, many of our small businesses told me about how they're eager to participate in pilot programs under the new action plan.  They just want to be given the chance to show how they can continue to grow and increase our state's exports."

Trade between the U.S. and Canada accounts for 500,000 jobs in New York and represents more than $535 billion in merchandise trade between the U.S. and Canada annually.  Last year, New York's exports shipments totaled $69.7 billion, $8.5 billion of which came from Buffalo-Niagara and Rochester regions.

A copy of the letter Hochul sent Napolitano and Bryson can be found on her website.