Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit Thousand Islands International Bridge Outlook

Transcription

1 Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit Thousand Islands International Bridge Outlook

2 Thousand Islands International Bridge

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4 FBCL At A Glance Federal Crown corporation, Agent of Her Majesty 7 member Board appointed by Governor-in-Council Ownership of 4 international bridges: Connecting Michigan & Ontario Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge (partner) Blue Water Bridge (direct) Connecting New York State & Ontario Thousand Islands International Bridge (partner) Seaway International Bridge (subsidiary)

5 TIBA At A Glance TIBA is a public benefit corporation governed by the NYS Public Authorities Law (1933). Seven member international board of directors appointed by Jefferson County Board of Legislators Management Operations Agreement with The Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd. of Canada to operate and maintain the Canadian bridge properties and collect tolls TIBA operates within its own financial means and receives no Federal, State, Provincial or local financial support Approximately 62 US and Canadian staff plus an additional 100 seasonal staff during the summer months

6 Thousand Islands International Bridge Opened in August 1938 One of three international crossing options bridging the St. Lawrence River in the Montreal Toronto corridor UNIQUE ATTRIBUTE: Direct link CAD to USA highway network 401/ I-81 2,000,000 vehicles crossing per year; 20% commercial 6 th busiest Canada-US crossing in terms of trade values 7 th busiest in truck volume 15 th busiest Canada-US crossing in terms of passenger vehicles 60% of the crossings occur between May and September Annual growth rate typically varies between 3-6%

7 Unique, Seasonal Traffic Pattern

8 Notable Regional Attractors Boldt Castle Gateway to: Regional nature tourism Canadian National Capital Rideau Canal heritage sites Cross-border shopping And now, other recreational tourism

9 The Bridge As A Trade Corridor Key regional industries benefiting from the bridge: Metals Paper Energy products Plastics Vehicle parts and, of course, Tourism Trade valued at US$29 Million per day, US$13 Billion per year Estimated growth rate between 6-10% per year

10 Evolving to Meet User Needs FBCL modernization of Canada Border Services Agency plaza Ontario Queue End Warning and Camera System Hwys 401 & 137 Ontario highway widening Hwy 137 New York Border Widening Project I-81 TIBA/FBCL International Rift East Bridge widening General Services Administration US Port Replacement Wellesley Island TIBA Security & Traffic Management System NEXUS Enrollment Center improvements Capital Corridor Initiative

11 by the way, re: Boldt Facilities, did you know? Owned and operated by TIBA since 1977; just completed 41 st year of operations 7 full-time staff; 50+ seasonal staff 200,000+ admissions per year In excess of US$45 million economic impact to the international Thousand Islands region Construction began in 1900, abruptly stopped in 1904 In disrepair for nearly 73 years Included over 1,000 acres of underdeveloped land Divested nearly all of that land for the initial capital to begin the rehabilitation Bridge and Boldt assets are managed financially separately

12 Operational Environment Working with multiple owners and jurisdictions: FBCL, New York State, US General Services Administration, Transport Canada, US Federal Highways Administration, New York State Department of Transportation, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Canada Border Services Agency & US Customs and Border Protection to understand and commit resources to the crossing infrastructure Unique issues due to length of system 20 th Century facilities and infrastructure that do not always meet standards for the post 9/11 era Traffic management coordination Canada Border Services Agency & US Customs and Border Protection during peak travel times

13 Canadian Improvements $60M investment in modernization and growth Situation: Canadian plaza fully revamped Current Status: Done, done and done New, modernized facilities with increased capacity Fully Open For Business Collaborating with Canada Border Services Agency with border technology advancements

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15 American Improvements US General Services Administration redeveloping Customs and Border Protection facilities U$215M investment to refresh and expand Situation: US plaza in early stages of 2 phase conversion Current Status: Commercial component set for late 2019 completion Balance of undertaking expected to be completed in Fall 2022 Works likely most visible in Summers 2020 & 2021 Future: Triple capacity, people and goods flowing efficiently

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17 Other TIBA Operations U.S. Duty Free Store Wellesley Island New York State Police Barracks Alexandria Bay Potable Water Plant GSA, Canada Customs and U.S. Duty Free Store Thousand Islands International Tourism Council New York State Welcome Center Opening Soon!

18 New York State Welcome Center

19 What s next? New toll collection system to be deployed in 2019 Acceptance of E-ZPass and BestPass Ongoing maintenance to maintain this bridge in excellent condition Focus remains on safety and security

20 Questions?