Letter to John Pistole, Transportation Security Administrator
Press Release
Dear Administrator Pistole,
I am writing to you today to bring your attention to the need for the Transportation Security Administration's Pre-Check program at the Niagara Falls and Buffalo Niagara International Airports in Western New York. The availability of Pre-Check's pre-screening process at Western New York's airports would provide benefits to a spectrum of stakeholders, from the individual traveler, to the tourism industry and to airport security. As a travel hub for Canadian and international passengers, the more efficient flow of trusted travelers is essential to promoting cross-border commerce, while allowing for TSA to sharpen their focus on imminent threats.
Recently, the Buffalo Niagara region has launched a campaign to increase enrollment in trusted traveler programs like Nexus and Global Entry, which would work hand-in-hand with Pre-Check, easing airport congestion and increasing efficiency of airport operations. In the Niagara region alone, there are more than 81,000 users of the Nexus program -- all potentially eligible for pre-screening through the Pre-Check program. According to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, roughly 70% of passengers at the Niagara Falls airport are from Canada, many of which are already enrolled in trusted traveler programs. At the Buffalo airport, the share of Canadian passengers has grown from less than 10% ten years ago to over 40% today, with an estimated $400-$500 million in associated economic activity. Just last year, the Buffalo airport accommodated over 1.9 million Canadian passengers.
Furthermore, the Buffalo-Niagara region was recently ranked 20th in the nation as an international tourism destination by the US Department of Commerce. The rankings, based on an annual survey by the Department's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, counted visitors from outside the United States, Canada and Mexico. Buffalo-Niagara was number 20 on the list, attracting an estimated 335,000 overseas tourists, according to the survey. To continue this trajectory, we must employ every method possible to create a seamless travel experience for trusted passengers.
I urge you to seriously consider Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo-Niagara International Airport as priority sites for TSA's Pre-Check initiative. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my Buffalo office at 716-854-9725 should you require any assistance or to further discuss my request.
Sincerely,
Kirsten E. Gillibrand
United States Senator
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