Crapo, Risch, Fulcher to CBP: Return Porthill to Pre-Pandemic Hours

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch and U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) pushed U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) to return Porthill Port of Entry hours in northern Idaho to pre pandemic operating hours.  The current, reduced hours are slowing the flow of people and goods, and it is negatively affecting the local economies. 

“We write to again urge the Department of Homeland Security to return the Porthill Port of Entry hours to 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m, which existed prior to the pandemic and parallels the current operating hours at the Canadian port,” wrote the Idaho leaders. “As the closest border crossing for Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and Creston, British Columbia, Porthill plays a critical role in facilitating the flow of workers, tourists, and families across our border.  It is also a key crossing for members of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, whose ancestral homeland is bisected by the international border.”

The delegation has repeatedly advocated for CBP to restore hours, but thus far the hours have only been slightly extended.  Signage around the crossing also still incorrectly lists the closing hours.