U.S. General Services Administration
Sumas Land Port of Entry
The Sumas Land Port of Entry serves personal vehicles, buses, pedestrians and commercial truck traffic between Sumas, Washington and Abbotsford, British Columbia. Last modernized in 1988, the Sumas LPOE is no longer able to meet the operational needs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). GSA will expand and modernize personal vehicle and commercial screening operations. Commercial inspection lanes will increase from two to four, and personal vehicle lanes will increase from five to six. Main building operations will be fully modernized and a dedicated pedestrian corridor will be constructed.
LPOE details
Fact sheet: Sumas LPOE Fact Sheet November 2023 [PDF - 1 MB]
Address: 103 Cherry St, Sumas, WA 98295
Year constructed: 1988
Port size: 4 acres
Estimated Budget: $135 million – $155 million
Primary tenants:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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 existing port is not designed to process the current volume of commercial vehicles efficiently. Inbound commercial vehicles waiting for clearance to cross currently need to park along Railroad Avenue, causing traffic and security concerns. Commercial vehicles exiting the secondary canopy area typically need to back-up to exit, causing inefficient inbound traffic flow/queueing issues. The new port will allow for more efficient processing of commercial vehicles in an expanded area, enabling CBP to process traffic more quickly.