D/FW Airport, others join Border Protection effort

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is launching a pilot program at four Texas border crossings and one Florida port of entry to boost staffing and cut crossing times.

Under the program, CBP will accept funds from local governments or private entities to finance the improve convenience for incoming travelers.

Local officials and CBP officers will attend a kick-off ceremony Thursday at the Paso Del Norte Bridge in El Paso. The improved staffing will start Sunday at the West Texas city, and funding for additional agents will come from increased border-bridge toll fees.

The South Texas Assets Consortium, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Houston Airport System and the Miami-Dade County government also have joined this agreement with CBP.

- FWBP Digital Partners -

More CBP agents at inspection booths during peak times are hoped to expedite crossings.