Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
( )
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
The International Falls LPOE is located on Highway 53 at the foot of the International Bridge across the U.S./Canada border from Fort Frances, Ontario. The 20,419 gross-square-foot facility is the busiest and highest traffic volume port in Minnesota and currently processes more traffic than it was originally designed to accommodate. The project includes design and construction of new buildings in a site expansion and possible conversion of some existing buildings. 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. The current, functionally-obsolete facilities house only CBP. The proposed new building construction will also house USDA and FDA.
Address: 2 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649
Year constructed: 1993
Port size:
Current: 1.6 acres
Proposed: 20 acres
Budget:
Total: $243,300,000–$297,300,000
IIJA: $179,100,000–$218,900,000
IRA: $64,200,000–$78,400,000
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The design phase of the project is in progress. The final design concept was approved in April 2024. The NEPA process is complete, with the Record of Decision published in June 2024. The issuance of the General Contractor (GC) solicitation is anticipated in July 2025 with the planned award of that contract in early 2025.
The project’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are available now. See the links below.
May 19, 2025: Virtual Industry Day
July 30, 2024: Community engagement event
March 13, 2024: Industry Day, Minneapolis
Feb. 29, 2024: Concept peer review #2
Jan. 23, 2024: Community engagement event
Dec. 14, 2023: Concept peer review #1
Nov. 8, 2023: Public Hearing
July 12, 2023: Design contract awarded
Dec. 13, 2022: Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Public Scoping Meeting
Sept. 15, 2022: Local stakeholder meet-and-greet
Nov. 1, 2023
GSA to host public hearing for Land Port of Entry modernization and expansion in International Falls
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
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement | Award | Award Substantial completion |
Special notice: General construction opportunity. Respond by Sept. 30, 2025.
GSA received $3.4 billion to invest in the 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 the economy more resilient to supply chain challenges.
Visit the Minnesota LPOE page for an overview of IIJA projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
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.
U.S. General Services Administration