New York’s northern and western borders with Canada have long served as important commercial and tourist gateways for the entire United States. With recent and projected growth in cross-border travel, and heightened security concerns arising from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the transportation infrastructure in the border regions is being pushed to its limits. In response, agencies responsible for the crossings have developed a wide range of proposals, including physical expansion projects, new border crossing protocols, and technological solutions, all aimed at improving the flow of traffic, upgrading security, and accommodating projected growth.

New York has in recent years received little Federal funding for such projects. As Congress debates reauthorization of federal transportation funding laws, it is considering  proposals to expand and reform border infrastructure funding programs. Within this context, this report explores New York’s border needs. It discusses the relative importance of the border as a national and regional resource and the challenges posed by growth and security. It then provides an overview of the proposals at each of New York’s major crossings, and concludes with an evaluation of funding prospects.