U.S. General Services Administration
GSA Celebrates Completion of Derby Line Land Port of Entry Construction with Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting
BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 8, to commemorate the completion of a $33 million construction project for the Derby Line Land Port of Entry (LPOE).
The new LPOE, located on Interstate 91 in Derby Line, Vermont, improves efficiency at one of the busiest crossings in the state, and provides a modern and welcoming facility that also supports federal inspection agencies’ security missions for those entering the United States.
At yesterday’s event, speakers from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Homeland Security, U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and DEW Construction, the primary contractor for the project, offered remarks. Representatives from U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders’ offices read letters of congratulations, while letters from U.S. Representative Peter Welch and Vermont Governor Philip B. Scott were also read.
Additionally, the North Country Union High School band performed both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems.
“Our mission at GSA is to deliver the best possible value in real estate to the United States government and the American people,” Christopher Averill, Regional Administrator for GSA’s New England Region, said. “As a result of the partnerships we’ve developed at the federal, state, and local levels, that is what you will see at this new facility. The Derby Line Land Port of Entry 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.”
The building was designed by Minnesota-based Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc., and built by D.E.W. Construction of Williston, Vermont, and supports the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations. It is LEED Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, providing both energy efficiency and sustainability.
“This new facility will better accommodate the processing of international travelers and cargo, enhance our security capabilities and provide a welcoming atmosphere to those entering the United States,” Anthony J. Palazzetti, CBP Assistant Director Field Operations, Mission Support, Boston, said. “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. 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.”
Construction started in the summer of 2016. Major elements of the 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.
“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,” Glenn C. Rotondo, Regional Commissioner of GSA’sPublic Buildings Service for the New England Region, said. “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.”
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About GSA:
GSA’s New England Region provides centralized procurement for the federal government by managing its real estate portfolio, real estate property utilization and disposal, products and services throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. GSA’s mission is to deliver value and savings in real estate, acquisition, technology, and other mission-support services across government. For more information, visit: www.gsa.gov/r1 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.