(Claremont, NH) – This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) highlighted the recent passage of her border preclearance bill during a visit to Canam-Bridges in Claremont.  The “Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security” Act, which was signed into law in December, will boost trade and economic development in the Claremont area and around New Hampshire by allowing for easier travel across the U.S.-Canadian border.

During her visit, Congresswoman Kuster toured the Canam facility, and met with company executives and local leaders to discuss the importance of the preclearance law to Canam and to the local economy.  The law will streamline travel and commerce operations between the U.S. and Canada, allowing rail, air and boat passengers to pass through Customs and Border Patrol inspections prior to traveling, instead of stopping at the border.  This will help boost trade and economic development opportunities in Claremont, which boasts the only Amtrak rail stop in western New Hampshire.

“Canam-Bridges is a strong member of the Claremont community and an important contributor to the local economy,” Kuster said.  “This preclearance law will make it easier for Canam and other local companies to travel between the U.S. and Canada, further expanding their footprint in both countries.  Further, it will help our federal agents to detect and prevent any threats.  I was proud to introduce this legislation and thrilled to see it signed into law.  Now, I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to Claremont and to New Hampshire over the years to come.”

Kuster was joined on the tour by Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett; Dominique Blouin, General Manager of Canam’s Claremont plant; and others.

“As a company whose employees travel between Canada and the US every day, we are looking forward to much easier crossings of the border thanks to the preclearance legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Kuster,” said Dominique Blouin, General Manager of Canam’s Claremont plant.

“The City of Claremont is very appreciative of Congresswoman Kuster's work in sponsoring this legislation that was signed into law,” said Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett.  “She recognizes the importance of rail transportation to the economic growth of this region.  In Fiscal Year 2016, Amtrak ridership in Claremont increased 16.9 percent.  That growth will only continue once the Vermonter Line extends to Montreal, expanding current tourism and trade opportunities here.”

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