Congresswoman Tenney Announces U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s Plan to Evaluate Other Sites in Addition to Blind Bay
Cleveland, NY – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, alongside State and Local Officials, announced the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) plan to evaluate additional sites for the relocation of their aging facility on Wellesley Island. Previously, only the Blind Bay site was under consideration for the new CBP station.
In early 2022, the CBP started preliminary work to access and survey a property located at Blind Bay in Clayton, NY to replace their aging facility on Wellesley Island. After CBP released its environmental assessment of the site in February 2022, community members near and around the property voiced strong opposition to the construction of a CBP facility on this site, including expressing concern about the facility’s potential impact on Muskellunge spawning in the area. Tenney has worked with community leaders and CBP to find a solution that keeps our border secure and preserves our historic habitats and waterways.
“This year, my office has facilitated multiple meetings with Senator Walczyk, Assemblyman Gray, Legislator Reed, myself, and the CBP leadership regarding the planned construction of a new CBP facility in Blind Bay,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “As a tenacious advocate for our district, I brought the concerns of our communities to the table during these important discussions. We have made it extraordinarily clear that the North Country does not want this station constructed in Blind Bay. It is vital we find a solution that works for all parties so the CBP can continue in its critical mission of protecting our border and keeping our community safe. Thankfully, CBP has acknowledged the issues raised by our community and is now looking at additional sites for their relocation. The CBP has also committed to a more transparent relocation process, acknowledging the need to improve the agency’s dialogue with the communities it protects. I thank CBP for their efforts and I will continue fighting for a solution that keeps our communities safe and protects the natural beauty and ecological wealth of the North Country.”
"We all agree with the importance of Customs and Border Protection's mission and I'd like to thank their leadership for listening to my concerns, and the concerns of those who care about the preservation of Blind Bay,” said Senator Mark Walczyk. “I know through an open dialogue and public input, we'll be able to work together to find a good site that will serve as the CBP North Country Station for decades to come. Big thanks to Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership and transparency on this issue."
"Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's leadership in the community response to relocating US Customs and Border Patrol station is greatly appreciated,” said Assemblyman Scott Gray. “The community has vehemently opposed the proposed location in Blind Bay. In solidarity with my colleagues, I will continue to support and represent the community's interests. It is crucial to maintain an amicable relationship with CBP while finding an alternative location that meets their needs and ensures the protection of our northern border and enjoys the broader support of the community. Our congresswoman continues to organize meetings and keep the lines of dialogue open as we move forward to meet our relocation goals."
“From day one, the North Country has been unified in our opposition to the Blind Bay location for a new Customs and Border Patrol station," said Jefferson County Legislator Phil Reed. "We are grateful to Representative Tenney for organizing and facilitating a dialog and meetings with CBP. I thank our entire community for their collaborative effort to find a solution that is equitable for everyone involved. I look forward to continuing to advocate for additional sites and will work with everyone to Save Blind Bay and keep our community safe."
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