Murkowski: Customs and Border Patrol Decision Makes Fairbanks a Year-Round Destination
Senator: “We Made Our Case - and Then Some”
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Lisa Murkowski today responded to the news that United States Customs and Border Protection is permanently creating three new customs positions slots at Fairbanks International Airport – not only permitting the Dawson City to Fairbanks summer flights initially denied, but opening up new possibilities for the Golden Heart City to attract more visitors year-round:
“When Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initially decided to deny additional summer flights to transport 19,000 Holland America cruise tour passengers into Fairbanks, I mobilized the delegation’s resources and brought the Alaska stakeholders to a table with CBP and explained the greater meaning this move would have for Interior Alaska’s expanding international visitor industry. Together with the Fairbanks community, it is clear we made our case – and then some. This is more than a silver lining to the storm cloud that we saw overhead for a bit; this is an open door to 365 days of more international tourism and an increased stream of visitors, commerce and visibility for all of Alaska, but especially the Interior and Alaska's northern region."
