Hearing examines beefing up border

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - How do you beef up border security without threatening business between the U.S. and Canada?

That question was at the top of the agenda at a field hearing Monday by the Department of Homeland Security in downtown Buffalo. Congressman Brian Higgins says the challenge is to find a balance between security and trade that embraces new technology without increasing wait times.

"Congestion is not only an environmental problem, an economic problem, but it's also a national security problem. If you have cars stuck on the bridge, that makes that a high impact target versus the more efficient and cost effective flow of traffic between the U.S. and Canada," Rep. Higgins explained.

The congressman is hoping the Department of Homeland Security chooses the Peace Bridge for a pre-inspection program designed to speed up the flow of traffic.