WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reversed its decision to reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond, a border crossing between Regway, Sask. and Raymond, Mon.

CBP had announced Nov. 19 that it would be closing the crossing between 12:01 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. effective Dec. 27, and that those wishing to cross the U.S.-Canadian border during those hours would be forced to do so at either the Portal, N.D. or Sweetgrass, Mon. Port of Entry.

Following the announcement, however, Montana senator Steve Daines and House representative Ryan Zinke wrote a letter to the CBP commissioner voicing their disapproval of the move to terminate the port’s 24-hour service.

“I’m thankful that CBP has listened to Montanans and reversed their misguided plan to quietly reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond,” Daines said following CBP’s decision to keep the port open 24 hours. “The Port of Raymond plays an important part in northeastern Montana’s economy and I’m pleased that this issue has been resolved without causing any unnecessary negative economic impact to the region.”

“Keeping the Port of Raymond border crossing open 24 hours is critical for local commerce and public safety,” Zinke echoed. “I’m happy CBP has heard the concerns of local residents and officials and reversed their decision.”