Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD – Though details are still being worked out, officials with the U.S. Border Patrol’s Houlton sector say plans are under way to construct new border patrol stations in Fort Fairfield, Houlton and Rangeley.
“The Houlton sector is responsible for securing the border between the points of entry for the entire state of Maine,” said Benjamin Moreno, special operations supervisor and public affairs officer for the U.S. Border Patrol’s Houlton sector. “The Houlton sector is currently acquiring additional personnel, vehicles, and facilities to enhance border security in the state.
“The Border Patrol is in the process of acquiring permanent facilities that will accommodate the increased staffing of border patrol agents and equipment in Maine. The Border Patrol station in Fort Fairfield will be within the town limits of Fort Fairfield,” he said, “and will be maintained by the General Services Administration.”
The construction of new stations in Jackman and Calais were completed in 2007, while the new Van Buren station will be completed this August.
Moreno said there has been no monetary limit set for the construction projects.
“They will, however, be funded with all federal funds,” he said.
The new border stations are not a statewide effort, but rather a nationwide one.
“As far as the Houlton sector,” said Moreno, “we are looking into updating all of the facilities in the state.”
While there is no timetable assessed to the Fort Fairfield project, Moreno said the facility will feature new vehicle garages and office space.
“We’re still in the process of looking at the staffing, equipment and the area needed to house those increases,” he said, noting that the stations “are all similar in nature and size.”
