U.S. General Services Administration
Kenneth G. Ward Land Port of Entry
The Kenneth G. Ward Land Port of Entry is a limited-service port of entry, operating 16 hours daily serving personal vehicles, buses, and limited commercial truck traffic between Lynden, Washington and Aldergrove, British Columbia. It is no longer able to meet the operational needs of Customs and Border Protection with an acute impact on international commerce. The port’s limited commercial capability results in unbalanced demand and escalating wait times at other commercial ports throughout Western Washington. The expansion project will expand and separate personal vehicle traffic and commercial screening operations, possibly allowing for a 24-hour, full-service port operations. When completed, the port at Lynden will feature five personal vehicle lanes and four commercial processing lanes.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: Kenneth G. Ward LPOE Fact Sheet November 2023 [PDF - 1 MB]
Address: 9949 WA-539, Lynden, WA 98264
Year constructed: 1986
Port size: 4.7 acres
Estimated Budget: $90 million – $100 million
Primary tenant:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Current status
In early November 2023, GSA awarded a contract to Jacobs, Inc. to assist GSA in developing a schedule and plan for the modernization and expansion of the land ports of entry in both Lynden and Sumas, Wash. On August 23, 2023, GSA hosted a public meeting in support of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the expansion and modernization of the Kenneth G. Ward (Lynden) and Sumas Land Ports of Entry. GSA is currently working with its contractor to review the scoping information collected and prepare the draft EIS.
Environmental review
On August 23, 2023, GSA hosted a public meeting in support of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the expansion and modernization of the Kenneth G. Ward (Lynden) and Sumas Land Ports of Entry. A link to the meeting recording is posted below. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the EIS will outline any new environmental impacts that may result from the proposed project.
- Kenneth G. Ward (Lynden) and Sumas Land Ports of Entry EIS Public Scoping Meeting
- Kenneth G. Ward (Lynden) and Sumas Land Ports of Entry EIS public scoping meeting posters [PDF - 881 KB]
- Kenneth G. Ward & Sumas Land Ports of Entry EIS Final Scoping Report 10-26-2023 [PDF - 9 MB]
Local updates
GSA hosted a community information meeting about the Sumas and Lynden land ports of entry modernization projects on November 6, 2023 at the American Legion, Post 212 in Sumas. For more information, see the presentation slides:
Project news
Nov. 2, 2023GSA awards $1.35 million for Project Development Study for modernization and expansion of land ports of entry in Whatcom County
Oct. 30, 2023
GSA to host community meeting for the expansion of the Kenneth G. Ward and Sumas Land Ports of Entry
Aug. 9, 2023
GSA to Host Public Meeting for the Expansion of the Kenneth G. Ward and Sumas Land Ports of Entry
Project timeline
| Planning | Design | Construction |
|---|---|---|
|
Project development study |
Design-build 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 Washington 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
The project aims to upgrade the port so it has the capacity to operate 24-hours. This would alleviate traffic congestion here and at the nearby Sumas Land Port of Entry. The project will help improve traffic flow and border security while decreasing wait times for travelers.