Peace bridge pilot program in the works

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A new plan is in place to relieve congestion and health concerns that have been idling for years at the Peace Bridge.

What does this mean for the surrounding community?

Ultimately, it would mean fewer trucks and cars idling on the Buffalo side of the Peace Bridge.

The program is only temporary, however New York's Senior Senator Chuck Schumer says it could have long lasting effects.

In January, Peace Bridge customs agents will move from Buffalo to Fort Erie screening cars and trucks in Canada. This is all part of a new pre-clearance program, championed by Senator Chuck Schumer.

Schumer says, "There's much more land on the Canadian side. They can build many more booths so you won't have the one hour, two hour, three hour backups that have plagued anyone going across the Peace Bridge."

While gathering video for this story, News 4 never once saw delays of that magnitude.

What came to a surprise however, are the number of trucks that are in stop-and-go traffic, and bottlenecked, when crossing the bridge. Schumer says those delays are bad for business in Western New York.

"It's not that there's always a 4,5,or 6 hour wait, but it's all too often it occurs, and that deters people from coming," says Schumer.

All of this Peace Bridge truck traffic is also a concern for the Western new York Clean Air Coalition.

While Schumer says his pre-screening plan will cut down on traffic, the Coalition is skeptical and wants more answers before they jump on board.

News 4 caught up with Natasha Soto who is an organizer for the Coalition. When asked what it would take to ultimately support Schumer, she says, "If the pilot program shows that air quality is improved by inspection on the Canadian side."

Although air monitoring is still being conducted, Schumer says under this plan, there will be less pollution of both sides.

"There will be less pollution in general; if the trucks are idling 3-4 hours, they're going to put more pollution in the air than if they're able to sail through in five, or six minutes," Schumer says.

After the construction of new screening area in Fort Erie, Schumer won't say how much this is costing tax payers. Schumer says, "the cost isn't that large, you'll make up that money in no time in extra revenues."

However, after 18 months, the program becomes null and void-even after the new construction.

For the program to remain in effect, Schumer must be able to show the program was successful with free flow of traffic, increased business, and more tourism dollars coming into WNY.

"Once that happens, it will mean more Canadians will come here and shop. They'll go to our sporting events, and more businesses will locate in WNY," Says Schumer.

Both sides of the border would also have to create laws with special provisions for customs agents, working to keep the border safe.

Schumer continues to say, "It will enhance commerce between Canada and Western New York, and that's always been one of our biggest job creators in WNY."

The pre-clearance program will begin temporarily in January, and will end a year and a half later.

The Peace Bridge is only one of two Pilot Programs in the entire country.