U.S. General Services Administration
Porthill Land Port of Entry
Porthill LPOE is a limited-service port between Porthill, Idaho and eastern British Columbia, Canada. It primarily serves personal vehicles and buses, but also processes a limited number of pedestrians (mostly hikers) and permitted commercial truck traffic. It is relatively remote: 27 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, ID. After 55 years of continuous operation, Porthill LPOE is no longer able to meet the operational needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The port expansion project will enhance its operational efficiency and capability, providing new, modern and energy efficient facilities to house port operations and processing functions.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: Porthill LPOE Fact Sheet November 2023 [PDF - 1 MB]
Address: 12222 ID-1, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Year constructed: 1967
Port size: 2.13 acres
Estimated Budget: $45 million – $55 million
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
FDA
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Current status
In August 2023, GSA met with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to discuss their interest in the project. Consultations with the Kootenai Tribe will continue as the project moves forward. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. General Services Administration is in the process of preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion and modernization of the Porthill LPOE. GSA and its contractor are reviewing the scoping information collected and preparing the draft EA.
Environmental review
On May 17, 2023, GSA hosted a virtual public meeting in support of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion and modernization of the Porthill LPOE. A recording of this meeting is available via the link below.
- EA Scoping Meeting Posters [PDF - 2 MB]
- Recording of EA Public Scoping Meeting
- Porthill LPOE EA Final Scoping Report 7-25-2023 [PDF - 11 MB]
Project news
August 3, 2023
GSA awards $3.5 million for pre-design services for the Porthill Land Port of Entry project
May 10, 2023
GSA to Host Public Meeting for the Expanded Porthill Land Port of Entry
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
|
Project development study/CMA/Acquisition Services |
Design award |
Construction start date Substantial completion |
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
We received $3.4 billion to invest in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The law provides funding for LPOE modernization projects that will create new good-paying jobs, bolster safety and security, and make our economy more resilient to supply chain challenges — all while serving as models for sustainability and innovation.
Visit the Idaho LPOE page for an overview of BIL projects there, as well as priorities, benefits and further information.
Sustainability opportunities
We will increase energy and water efficiency (including renewable energy and fossil fuel free measures), adhere to sustainable design principles, and minimize climate risk liabilities above the minimum performance criteria in a manner that is life cycle cost-effective.
- Net-zero ready
- 80% fossil fuel-energy generated reduction
- Green Proving Ground technology
- LEED Gold/SITES Silver
- Whole-building embodied carbon reduction
Community impact
Americans and Canadians living in communities surrounding communities cross the border regularly for work. Expanding the number of vehicle processing lanes will positively impact the local area on both sides of the border and help sustain the relationship between the U.S., Canada, and the tribal nations in the area.