TURNER, Mt. — Local residents of this small farming town have for years urged local officials to turn the small Turner Port of Entry on state Highway 241 into a 24-7 commercial border crossing.

They may finally get their wish. Sen. Ken Hansen, D-Harlem has introduced state legislation that would keep the port of entry open all day.

Supporters say a dedicated commercial crossing open around the clock would boost the local economy since it would more closely link the region with Saskatchewan’s and Alberta’s oil and gas industries.

The border, which is located 12 miles south of the Montana-Saskatchewan border is open seven days a week, but closes either at 6 p.m or 9 p.m., depending on the time of year.

According to the Helena Independent Record, local residents and business interests from this town of 200 people and nearby Harlem have joined with like-minded supporters in Climax and Shaunavon, Sask. to create the Sask-Mont Rural Development Group, which has been lobbying for years to enhance to the port.

Even though its miles off from the actual international border, the port is reportedly the shortest route between U.S. Highway 2 in Montana and the Trans-Canada.

The closest 24-hour port into Saskatchewan is 324 miles east at Raymond — which can make for some white-knuckled driving in the winter.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection built the port of entry at Turner in 1992.