Erie County Legislator John Mills supported a resolution opposing a possible border crossing fee along the United States-Canadian border. Approved unanimously at the April 25, 2013 Erie County Legislature session, the resolution will be sent to federal representatives, encouraging them to continue to fight against a recent proposal that could result in an increased cost for motorists and pedestrians to travel into the United States.

Recently the Department of Homeland Security suggested a study be conducted to review adding a border crossing fee as part of its 2014 budget proposal. Legislator Mills and his colleagues oppose this proposal, stating that a fee increase would have a substantial negative impact on the local economy.

“An additional fee at the United States-Canada border would hurt our local commerce and would have a significant impact on our sales tax revenue. I strongly urge our congressional representatives to continue to work to stop any proposed fee that would be charged to those entering the states. I believe if faced with a fee to cross the border, we’ll see a drastic reduction in Canadian visitors and shoppers,” said Legislator Mills.

To read a copy of the complete resolution, please CLICK HERE. In 2012, Erie County collected $410 million in sales tax revenue.

For additional information, please contact Legislator Mills’ Legislative Office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov.