U.S. General Services Administration
Vermont Port Officially Opens with Ribbon Cutting
On a crisp spring morning under blue skies in Vermont, within site of the Canadian border, more than 100 people gathered in Lane 3 of the Derby Line Land Port of Entry, to officially open the port and celebrate the completion of the two-year long project, cut a ribbon and commemorate the official opening of the port.
The ribbon cutting – attended by stakeholders, agency heads, local and state leaders – was a momentous occasion, with many reminiscing on an undertaking that resulted in a state-of-the-art facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“Our mission at GSA is to deliver the best possible value in real estate to the United States government and the American people,” former Regional Administrator and Master of Ceremonies, Christopher Averill,said. “As a result of the partnerships we’ve developed at the federal, state, and local levels, that is what you will see at the new facility. This port is designed for long-term operation with public safety, security, and environmental features that will benefit CBP, its sister agencies, and the community of users who pass through it every day.”
CBP’s Honor Guard kicked off the event as they presented the colors prior to the North Country Union High School band playing the U.S. National Anthem and the Canadian National Anthem.
Averill welcomed speakers Anthony Palazzetti, Assistant Director Field Operations Mission Support, Glenn Rotondo, PBS Regional Commissioner, Don Wells, President, Principal of DEW Construction Corporation, and representatives from U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ offices, who read letters. Additionally, he read letters of thanks from U.S. Representative Peter Welch and Vermont Governor Philip Scott who could not be in attendance.
The speakers congratulated and thanked the agencies and project teams for all their hard work and dedication, especially since the port remained open during construction.
“I’d like to personally thank the GSA core project team for their part in delivering a new port that greatly improves efficiency at one of the busiest crossings in Vermont and includes state-of-the-art enhancements for travelers and the men and women of CBP alike,” said Glenn Rotondo. “CBP worked closely with the GSA team to make sure construction activities could take place alongside port operations. The entire team worked tirelessly on this project and their names are engraved on a workers’ plaque in the facility’s lobby for generations to read.”
“This project was a major undertaking that involved building a state-of-the-art Customs and Border Protection Port of entry, on top of—and around—an existing, active, port of entry,” said Anthony Palazzetti. “Through it all, passengers and vehicles continued to flow through this site, safely and securely every day, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of CBP Officers, Agriculture Specialists and support staff here at Derby Line.”
The $33 million project included a new main port building including administrative offices, processing and immigration services spaces, and officer work areas; a new commercial inspection building with a two-bay commercial loading dock; a cargo storage area; five new inspection booths and lane configurations; and a photovoltaic solar array to provide on-site energy.