U.S. General Services Administration
International Falls Land Port of Entry
This LPOE project will replace the existing obsolete facility with a new state-of-the-art facility. The design will make a distinct architectural statement conducive to efficient travel, trade, and commerce. The new facility will also address traffic flow, port security, and inspections.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: I-Falls LPOE Project [PDF - 128 KB]
Address: 2 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649
Year constructed: 1993
Port size:
Current: 1.6 acres
Proposed: 20 acres
Budget: $249,629,000
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Current status
The architect/engineer design, Construction Manager as Agent (CMa), and appraisal service contracts were awarded in July 2023. Initial site investigation and design planning efforts are currently underway.
Environmental review
The draft of the project's supplementary environmental impact statement will be available this fall for public review and comment, and GSA will host a public hearing in support of this document during the fall as well.
Local updates
July 12, 2023: Design contract awarded
Dec. 13, 2022: Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Public Scoping Meeting
Sept. 15, 2022: Local stakeholder meet-and-greet
Project news
July 20, 2023
GSA awards $28.2 million for pre-design services for Minnesota Land Port of Entry
Dec. 7, 2022
GSA to host public scoping meeting for International Falls Land Port of Entry expansion
Oct. 6, 2022
GSA awards International Falls border project contract
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
|
Supplementary environmental impact statement |
Design award |
Construction award Substantial completion |
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
We received $3.4 billion to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges — all while serving as models for sustainability and innovation.
Visit the Minnesota LPOE page for an overview of BIL projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
Sustainability opportunities
We will optimize site potential, including restoration of Rainy River shoreline, and minimize non-renewable energy consumption.
Also, we will have opportunity to use environmentally-preferable products, including:
- Porous pavements and other permeable surfaces.
- Vegetative swales and revegetation.
We can protect and conserve water, enhance indoor air quality, optimize operational and maintenance practices, and obtain LEED Gold certification.
Community impact
Redesign and expansion of this land port, the busiest one in Minnesota with $12 billion in annual trade, will enable increased traffic volume and efficiency.
The local economy is fueled primarily by wood and paper products, led by the region's largest employer, a 100-year-old paper mill on 55-acres along the Rainy River. Local loggers, pulp-additive makers, eateries, stores, and other businesses generate profits by servicing employees, spouses, friends, and relatives of the mill, many of whom commute daily through the port.
Due to the abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, tourism also contributes to the local economy. An expanded port will greatly facilitate tourist movement between International Falls and Fort Frances, Canada.