Dear Acting Commissioner Morgan:
I write regarding Marquette County’s efforts to bring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to Sawyer International Airport and other regional ports.
Sawyer International Airport has a significant role and history in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Constructed in 1944 as a municipal airport for Marquette County, the airport became K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in 1955. Since that time, the base has been home to a number of units that expanded the base’s runway and logistical capacity. After the base’s closing in 1995, the county converted the airport for commercial use.
Although the closing of the base and loss of jobs had a significant impact on the local economy, Marquette County utilized their return to the base by expanding businesses and services in the community. The base is now home to a technological park, which helps connect business to air and rail service. Under legacy U.S. Customs operations, Sawyer had a part-time customs officer to process international traffic. However, when this officer retired, they were not replaced. The lack of CBP presence to process international traffic limits opportunity for the airport’s business tenants and airline service operators. Some tenants have missed out on business opportunities due to the inability to receive international flights.
Members of the airport authority and regional Marquette community are committed to bringing economic opportunity to the area. The airport’s location, large footprint, and ability to support nearly any size aircraft make it an ideal location for regional business and an important part of the regional economy. In order to fully realize the airport’s potential, they envision a CBP presence that would support international traffic at the airport, in addition to the region’s sea ports.
I appreciate the coordination CBP is undertaking to connect Sawyer International Airport with the resources and information they need to move forward. I urge you to consider CBP’s capacity to assign personnel to serve Sawyer International Airport and other regional ports, and continue to provide Marquette all consultation and technical assistance practicable to aid in their request.
Thank you for your continued work to protect our nation’s land, air, and sea ports. I look forward to your response.
Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
