Rep. Peters Welcomes Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to Michigan, Leads Discussion on the Northern Border

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Gary Peters and United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson convened a roundtable discussion to discuss prioritization of Northern Border infrastructure in Michigan at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Secretary Johnson's visit to Michigan came at the request of Rep. Peters who has lead the effort to secure funding for customs plazas at critical trade crossings in the state of Michigan to create jobs and increase trade in the region. Peters was proud to welcome Secretary Johnson to Michigan and moderate a productive discussion with the head of the Department of Homeland Security which has jurisdiction over the funding and construction of customs plazas. His statement follows:

"The Northern Border and trade crossings in the state of Michigan have the potential to make our region a transportation and logistics hub in the Midwest if we make the necessary infrastructure investments now," Peters said. "We should be allocating resources where the economic utilization will be greatest, where the investment will create jobs, increase exports and grow our middle class. Secretary Johnson visiting Michigan is an important step, and it is my hope that he takes the message delivered here today back to Washington, to the Department of Homeland Security and to President Obama so that we can get the federal funding needed to construct customs plazas in our state."

Peters has worked closely with leaders in Michigan and in the Administration to prioritize the Northern Border and ensure funds for trade crossings and customs plazas are directed from DHS to Michigan. Peters introduced a measure to prioritize funding to construct Federal Customs Plazas at critical trade crossings like the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) at the U.S. -- Canada border in February. Peters' legislation has been endorsed by various business organizations and leaders across Michigan. The NITC has also received support from members of the Michigan Congressional Delegation as well as Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Rep. Peters and Secretary Johnson were joined by Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah, leaders and dignitaries from the Canadian government, members of the Michigan Congressional delegation, Kirk Steudle, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, Deputy Mayor Isaiah McKinnon as well as business, labor and agriculture stakeholders.

"Global trade is not going to stop because Washington can't get out of its own way. Border crossings, like the NITC grow in importance every day, as does the cost of inaction," said Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. "Congressman Peters deserves a lot of credit for standing up as a leader in Congress and working to ensure the federal government lives up to its obligations to move these critical projects forward."

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