The U.S. General Services Administration celebrates completion of $33 million construction project for the Derby Line Land Port of Entry

Derby Line, VT The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) held a ribbon cutting on May 8^th, to commemorate the completion of a $33 million construction project for the Derby Line Land Port of Entry (LPOE). 

The new LPOE, located on I-91 improves efficiency at one of the busiest crossings in the state, and provides a facility that also supports federal inspection agency’s security missions for those entering the U.S. 

Speakers from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Homeland Security, U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and DEW Construction, the primary contractor for the project, offered remarks. Representatives from U.S. senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders’ offices read letters of congratulations, while letters from U.S. representative Peter Welch and Vermont governor Philip Scott were also read. 

“Our mission at GSA is to deliver the best possible value in real estate to the United States government and the American people,” Christopher Averill, regional administrator for GSA’s New England region, said. “As a result of the partnerships we’ve developed at the federal, state, and local levels, that is what you will see at this new facility. The Derby Line Land Port of Entry is designed for long-term operation with public safety, security, and environmental features that will benefit CBP, its sister agencies, and the community of users who pass through it every day.” 

The building was designed by Minnesota-based Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc., and built by DEW Construction of Williston, Vermont, and supports the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations. It is LEED Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, providing both energy efficiency and sustainability.

“This new facility will better accommodate the processing of international travelers and cargo, enhance our security capabilities and provide a welcoming atmosphere to those entering the United States,” said Anthony Palazzetti, CBP assistant director field operations, mission support, Boston.

Construction started in the summer of 2016. Major elements of the project included: 

• A new main port building including administrative offices, processing and immigration services spaces, and officer work areas;

• A new commercial inspection building with a two-bay commercial loading dock;

• A cargo storage area;

• Five new inspection booths and lane configurations; and

• A photovoltaic solar array to provide onsite energy.

“I’d like to personally thank the GSA core project team for their part in delivering a new port that greatly improves efficiency at one of the busiest crossings in Vermont and includes state-of-the-art enhancements for travelers and the men and women of CBP alike,” said Glenn Rotondo, regional commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service for the New England Region.