4/1/09-The Legislature signed off on a measure that urges 24-hour operation for the Turner port of entry on state Highway 241 in the northeastern portion of the state.
The port of entry located 12 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border now is open seven days a week. From Sept. 16 to May 31 each year, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 1 to Sept. 15, the facility extends its hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sen. Ken Hansen, D-Harlem, introduced the non-binding resolution that seeks to have federal officials authorize making the Turner facility available throughout the day. Hansen wrote in the measure that the change is needed because there is only one 24-hour commercial entry on the state’s border with Canada.
Among the advantages of expanding hours at the Turner facility that are touted by Hansen include addressing an escalating amount of commercial traffic serving the oil sands region in Canada, the new oil fields in the Bakken formation in Montana, as well as serve “other commercial opportunities” in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
Also highlighted in the measure – SJ6 – is the need to make the facility available 24 hours a day to accommodate the development of the trade corridor from Saskatchewan to Billings, MT, and Interstate 90.

1/29/09-The Senate approved a bill Saturday, Jan. 24, that would urge 24-hour operation for the Turner port of entry on state Highway 241 in the northeastern portion of the state.
The port of entry located 12 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border now is open seven days a week. From Sept. 16 to May 31 each year, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 1 to Sept. 15, the facility extends its hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sen. Ken Hansen, D-Harlem, introduced the non-binding resolution that would make the Turner facility available throughout the day. Hansen wrote in the measure that the change is needed because there is only one 24-hour commercial entry on the state’s border with Canada.
Among the advantages of expanding hours at the Turner facility that are touted by Hansen include addressing an escalating amount of commercial traffic serving the oil sands region in Canada, the new oil fields in the Bakken formation in Montana, as well as serve “other commercial opportunities” in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
Also highlighted in the measure is the need to make the facility available 24 hours a day to accommodate the development of the trade corridor from Saskatchewan to Billings, MT, and Interstate 90.
The resolution – SJ6 – has moved to the House Business and Labor Committee for further consideration. For bill status, call 406-444-4800.

12/31/08-Sen. Ken Hansen, D-Harlem, has prefiled a measure for consideration during the session that starts Jan. 5 that would urge 24-hour operation for the Turner port of entry on state Highway 241.
The port of entry located 12 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border now is open seven days a week. From Sept. 16 to May 31 each year, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 1 to Sept. 15, the facility extends its hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SJ6 has been referred to the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee.
For bill status, call 406-444-4800.