FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
January 23, 2017
For further information contact:
John Mackowiak, Martin Davison PR
585-433-2556 jmackowiak@martingroupmarketing.com

Buffalo Niagara International Bridge Officials Call for NEXUS Reform to Improve Border Travel, Security
WNY/Southern Ontario NEXUS program enrollment surpasses 205,000 mark, accounting for 15% of total NEXUS enrollments in North America

BUFFALO, NY/FORT ERIE, ON – Today, leaders from the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA) and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC) called for reforms to improve the NEXUS program, the bi-national trusted traveler program that aims to expedite border crossings.

This push for reform comes as NEXUS usage at the region’s four international bridges reaches an all-time high, with overall NEXUS trips/conveyances rising to nearly 1.6 million in 2016, a significant increase from the previous year. Program enrollees now account for roughly 17 percent of overall border crossings in the region.

“There is more work to be done to enhance the effectiveness of the program, and this year we want to take the success of NEXUS to the next level,” write PBA Chair Sam Hoyt and NFBC Chair Linda McAusland in a joint letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Public Safety Canada (PSC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Their letter outlines a series of reforms to increase NEXUS enrollment, which would result in expedited bridge crossings and enhanced border security.

Studies have indicated that expanding NEXUS usage to 50 percent of travelers at the region’s bridges would essentially eliminate wait times and vehicle congestion. Additionally, NEXUS participants are pre-screened, known travelers. With more people enrolled in the program, Customs officials will have additional time to dedicate to unknown motorists at bridge crossings, leading to greater security.

The PBA and NFBC are urging the DHS, CBP, PSC and CBSA to implement the following reforms:

• • Extend the period that NEXUS cards are valid from 5 years to 10 years in order to match current passport validity. This will reduce the processing time and expense for re-enrollments and shorten the time frame    for new sign-ups.
  • Modernize and simplify the GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) site. The   current site is difficult to navigate and a source of frustration for many potential enrollees.
  • Reduce the process time from initial application to interview. Currently this time period can often extend at least three-to-four months, which discourages enrollment.
  • As applications have already been approved, allow either a CBP or a CBSA officer to conduct the physical (in-person) interview on behalf of both countries. This should speed up the process and reduce costs.
  • Ensure CBP and CBSA prioritize and continuously monitor NEXUS booth staffing to open additional NEXUS lanes when needed. It is a major disincentive when NEXUS queues are longer than regular lane queues.

“NEXUS is the best form of border-crossing identification for travelers in Western New York and Southern Ontario,” Hoyt said. “The program is a simple and cost-effective way to expedite and simplify the border-crossing experience. And it is great value because participants are automatically enrolled at no additional charge in TSA–Pre and Global Entry in the U.S. and the expedited CATSA lines at Canadian airports.”

“The growth in NEXUS enrollments and usage is undoubtedly because of the time- savings benefits,” McAusland said. “However, we can’t ignore the substantial opportunity that NEXUS provides our region. There is still so much potential to further decrease wait times and increase security by expanding enrollment to an even greater level.”

In addition to the reforms they’re seeking, PBA and NFBC plan to implement a multi- faceted marketing blitz to attract new travelers to the program. Among other initiatives, they expect to update the NexusNiagara.com website, leverage major events like the NCAA tournament and World Junior Hockey Tournament, conduct direct outreach to major employers, as well as install informational displays at various destinations and more.

In launching this “reform-and-promote” strategy, bridge officials emphasized the success the NEXUS program continues to achieve year-after-year. Milestones in 2016 include:

• • NEXUS usage at the Peace Bridge grew to over 940,000 conveyances.
  • The NEXUS-only Whirlpool Bridge serviced 512,752 vehicles in 2016.
  • Tallies of traffic using NEXUS-only lanes at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge totaled 140,424. Additionally, NEXUS card holders crossing at the Lewiston- Queenston Bridge in non-NEXUS lanes totaled 65,000.
  • NEXUS traffic currently accounts for 23 percent of the total passenger vehicle crossings at the Peace Bridge, a percentage that has steadily increased since program inception.

NEXUS is a bi-national program jointly administered by CBSA and CBP for low-risk, pre-approved travelers  into  Canada  and  the  United  States. The  program was  first piloted in the year 2000 and reached widespread implementation just three years later.   NEXUS now includes roughly 1.4 million trusted traveler enrollees throughout North America.

Enrolling in the NEXUS Niagara program costs $50 for five years. NEXUS identification cards are free for children under 18. For more information, visit nexusniagara.com.

About the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing.

About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:
A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission The Extra Provincial Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada licenses the NFBC. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC by an eight-member Board of Commissioners. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved sufficiently efficient and effective to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston- Queenston Bridges. The NFBC builds and maintains all facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self- supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is federally chartered to conduct international commercial financial transactions and issue federal (U.S.) tax-exempt bonds.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
December 22, 2016
For further information contact:
Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
905-354-5641 / 716-285-6322  

No Tolls at Area Bridges on Christmas Holiday

Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool bridge crossings to

offer travel free of charge

LEWISTON, NY – Today the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC) announced that it will not charge tolls in celebration of the Christmas holiday.

The toll-free period will be in effect for 24 hours, beginning at 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016 and ending at 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2016 for the Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool bridge crossings.

“It is our pleasure to forego toll collection as a gift to Canadian and American travelers,” said Lew Holloway, General Manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.  “We’re also happy to do so as a gesture of gratitude to our employees for another year of hard work.  The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and its partners are looking forward to a wonderful 2017.”

About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:

A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission The Extra Provincial Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada licenses the NFBC. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC by an eight-member Board of Commissioners. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved sufficiently efficient and effective to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges. The NFBC builds and maintains all facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self-supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is federally chartered to conduct international commercial financial transactions and issue federal (U.S.) tax-exempt bonds.

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Niagara Falls Bridge Commission

5365 Military Road, Lewiston, NY 14092

P.O. Box 395, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T8

Phone: 905-354-5641 or 716-285-6322

Fax: 716-282-3292 or 905-354-6644

http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/ Twitter: @NiagaraBridges

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2016

Contact:

Lew Holloway

General Manager

716.285.6322, ext. 4151 or 905.354.5641, ext. 4151

 

NIAGARA FALLS BRIDGE COMMISSION ELECTS 2016 OFFICERS

Linda L. McAusland is elected Chair

LEWISTON, NEW YORK – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC), the bi-national entity that owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges between Canada and the United States, elected its 2016 slate of officers during the Commission’s Annual General Meeting. Linda L. McAusland of the Province of Ontario was elected Chairperson and Russell G. Quarantello of the State of New York was elected Vice-Chairperson. In addition, John Lopinski of the Province of Ontario was elected Secretary and Harry R. Palladino of the State of New York was elected Treasurer. Marcia T. Heit of the Province of Ontario, Francis A. Soda of the State of New York, Ernest K. Smith of the Province of Ontario, and Kathleen L. Neville of the State of New York comprise the other members of the NFBC Board.U.S. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Governor of the State of New York, and Canadian Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Premier of the Province of Ontario. All officers hold their respective office for one-year until the next Annual Meeting, unless the Commission deems a change is necessary.

Ms. Linda L. McAusland, a resident of Welland, Ontario, was appointed to the Commission in February of 2014. Ms. McAusland is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Administrative Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation where she provides leadership for Human Resources, Financial Planning, Controllership, Facilities, Emergency Management, Procurement and Freedom of Information. Commissioner McAusland has previously served on the Board of Directors for the McMaster Institute of Transportation Logistics, Canadian Transportation Research Forum and the North American Strategy for Competitiveness. She has her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo and has attended the Public Executive Program at Queen’s University and the Executive Leadership Program at the Niagara Institute.

Mr. Quarantello was appointed to the Commission in March 2012 and resides in Lewiston, New York. He currently serves as the Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #237. Mr. Quarantello is a master electrician who has worked for numerous electric contractors over the years, and has also held positions at the Carborundum Co., Viatran Corp., and the U.S. Small Business Administration. He was elected as the union local’s principal officer in 2007.

Appointed to the Commission in June 2015 and a resident of Port Colborne for over 40 years, Mr. John A. Lopinski is a Chartered Accountant and retired in April 2015 as Partner at Crawford Smith and Swallow. He has been very active in many professional, charitable, educational and health related organizations including the Niagara Health System Foundation, Rotary Club of Port Colborne, Port Colborne General Hospital, and Niagara South Board of Education. Having served for fourteen years on the Peace Bridge Authority, including terms as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Lopinski has considerable knowledge in the fields of transportation, tourism, governance and other cross-border issues.

Appointed to the Commission in March of 2014, Mr. Harry R. Palladino, a resident of Gasport, New York, currently serves as the Business Manager of Laborers’ Local 91, and has served in various positions throughout his extensive career with the organization. He is also the owner/operator of Palladino Paving and Construction.

Appointed to the Commission in December 2015, Mrs. Marcia Heit retired as Operations Manager with Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold in 2015. Mrs. Heit’s community involvement includes serving as a member of the Advisory Board of Niagara Nutrition Partners, of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network and the May Court Club of St. Catharines. She has also served as a former public trustee of the District School Board of Niagara and as former Chair of the Credit Counseling of Regional Niagara.

Appointed to the Commission in March 2012, Mr. Frank Soda retired in 2010 after a 41-year teaching career. He resides in Niagara Falls, New York, and holds a BA and MA from Niagara University and an MS from Buffalo State College. He taught at Niagara Falls High School for 23 years and is also an adjunct at Erie Community College and Niagara University. A former Niagara Falls City Council member, twice, he also served on the Love Canal Area Revitalization Agency.

Mr. Ernest Smith was appointed to the Commission in November 2009. He is a resident of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and is retired from Canada Immigration after more than 31 years of service with experience in such areas as enforcement, operations and intelligence. Since retiring, Mr. Smith has been contracted by the International Region of Citizenship & Immigration Canada to work as a visa officer in England, Hong Kong, Trinidad, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Mr. Smith, a graduate of Stamford C.I., holds a B.A. from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University) in Ontario, and a Master’s degree from Niagara University in New York State.

Appointed to the Commission in March 2012, Ms. Kathleen Neville, a resident of Wilson, New York, is a public relations professional. Ms. Neville previously served as senior vice president at Hill and Knowlton Public Relations International in New York City and as a senior consultant at Ketchum Public Relations in Washington, D.C. She is a former managing director of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo and the author of several non-fiction books and articles on conduct in today’s workplaces, schools and sports. She also serves on the board of directors of the New York Council for the Humanities. A past television and radio broadcaster, Ms. Neville obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a graduate teaching fellowship in English/Communications from Niagara University where she also received a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

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About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:

A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. The Extra Provincial Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario, Canada licenses the NFBC. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC by an eight-member Board of Commissioners. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved sufficiently efficient and effective to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges. The NFBC builds and maintains all facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self-supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is federally chartered to conduct international commercial financial transactions and issue federal (U.S.) tax-exempt bonds.