CHAMPLAIN, N.Y – A FAST dedicated lane opened southbound, at the Champlain, New York/Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Que. border crossing April 18. FAST traffic entering Canada continues to use the existing lane. Canadian and U.S. federal officials made the announcement jointly.

“FAST is one of our ‘smart border’ initiatives. It improves security, yet moves goods faster and more efficiently across the border,” said Commissioner Robert C. Bonner, of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. “Our FAST partners secure their supply chains so that their shipments are no risk for terrorism.”

“The FAST program is an excellent example of how the government and private sector are working together to protect the security of Canada’s economy,” said Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Public Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Approximately 1,300 trucks cross into Champlain daily from Canada. The hours for the Champlain designated FAST lane will coincide with the heavy traffic patterns say officials.

For more information visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/fast/us_canada/ (United States) or www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fast/ (Canada)