EMERSON, Man. — A Mar. 1 meeting in Emerson brought the issues of highway configuration, access and the establishment of a transportation service park in the area to the forefront.

Manitoba’s busiest border crossing has seen an increase in traffic with exports to the U.S. increasing from $2.1 billion in 1992 to nearly $7 billion in 2000. Because of this increase in truck traffic, wait times are under the microscope and the province is being pressured to improve the efficiency of the crossing in order to further stimulate Manitoba’s economy.

Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) president, Bob Dolyniuk, was on-hand to represent the truckers’ view.

“The Emerson border point is being chosen by carriers more often as a result of the high level safety and efficiency as well as short wait times at the border,” says Dolyniuk, noting truck traffic has increased by 36 per cent since 1994.

Emerson’s Economic Development Committee plans to move ahead by requesting development proposals over the next six months.