GSA Blog

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Vermont contractor D.E.W. Construction Corp recently celebrated the demolition and upcoming replacement of the Land Port of Entry in Derby Line, Vermont.

Since the port is an active construction site, principals, stakeholders and guests gathered in the village town hall for the ceremonial demolition, a first of its kind in the New England Region.

Attendees heard from GSA Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner Glenn Rotondo, CBP Area Port Director Casey Owen Durst, D.E.W. President Don Wells, Chris Saunders, who read a letter on behalf of Senator Patrick Leahy, and Shannon Furnari, who spoke on behalf of Congressman Peter Welch.

While the village of Derby Line, which sits on the border of Stanstead, Canada, is a relatively quiet place, the port of entry there is considered one of the busiest in Vermont.

Originally built in the 1960s, the port will undergo a major overhaul, replaced with a more modern and more energy efficient facility.

But, as Rotondo noted, with the village having been incorporated in the late 1700s, it is important to reflect the history and values of the community within the port.

Additionally, he wanted all stakeholders to know that during all phases of the project they would remain informed, in order to ensure transparency and minimize disruption and inconvenience to the community.

Saunders, from Senator Leahy’s office, explained to the audience that the new port should be a secure place that also feels welcoming to those entering our country for the first time.

Because of this, Saunders said the facility should represent the country’s values and make the experience a positive one for visitors.

Following the speeches, Rotondo, Durst, Wells, and guests made their way outside to participate in the ceremonial demolition of a piece of the port that was saved for the event. 

Donned with a hardhat and sledgehammer, Wells hit the slab, knocking down a few bricks, to officially kick-off the construction of Derby Line’s new port.

The project includes:

• A new commercial inspection building with a two bay commercial loading dock, cargo storage, lab space, kennel, public counter space, and CBP work areas
• A new main port building with administrative offices, processing and immigration services space,s and a violator retention area
• A photovoltaic solar array
• New inspection booths, canopies, and lane configurations

Additional site improvements to the port consist of new lighting, fire protection, water service, sanitary sewer, site drainage and stormwater management systems, improvements to paving, signage, electrical service, and a new access drive.