Congressman touts more border staff in northern NY

CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. (AP) - A congressman says recently announced staffing increases along U.S. borders will help northern New York’s economy.

U.S. Rep. Bill Owens says custom officials estimate there will be 20 more staffers at both the Champlain and Alexandria Bay crossings by the end of fiscal year 2015.

Owens says the extra staff will help tourism and trade. He said it will make it easier and more affordable for companies in northern New York to do business in Canada.

Owens says the U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to add 2,000 additional officers nationwide.