On August 3, the Canadian government announced that it intends to close the Canadian side of the border at Whitetail in Daniels County. Unless the Canadians change their minds, in April 2011 the Port will close to traffic from the U.S to Canada.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants to spend $8.5 million to strengthen and upgrade the Port of Whitetail -- including the removal of asbestos in the buildings there -- and keep Whitetail open even after the Canadians close their side of the port. This would allow travelers heading into the U.S. to come in, but would not allow travelers to enter Canada through Route 511.

I'm leaning toward recommending we close down the Port of Whitetail. If folks have other ideas, I want to hear them to make sure this is the best path forward.

So far, I have also heard several other options for what to do next, including:

• Do nothing; let the Canadians close their side, but upgrade the port on the U.S. side and keep it open
• Close the Port of Whitetail entirely
• Allow CBP to continue to work with the Canadians to find another way to allow the border crossing to remain open in both directions.

But I'd like to know what you think. Which of these ideas do you support? Got your own idea? Share your comments below.

I will carefully consider the feedback I receive and deliver your comments to the Department of Homeland Security.

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