Feds Approve Permanent Hours For Santa Teresa Border Crossing

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) – Federal officials have expanded commercial crossing hours for the Santa Teresa port of entry in southern New Mexico.

Gov. Bill Richardson and members of the state’s congressional delegation had made the request following a pilot program that expanded the port’s hours of operation by four hours during the week. The pilot program ended Monday.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says U.S. Customs officials have reached agreement with Mexican officials to permanently expand the port’s commercial operation by two hours – until 8 p.m. – during the week.

Richardson says additional hours at Santa Teresa will benefit both countries and mean millions of dollars in increased trade and new jobs.