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.

Angle view of a blue-gray, one-level structure, with a canopy over one lane out front, next to a road, with vehicles, red traffic signs and a few pine trees around it

LPOE details

Fact sheet: Porthill LPOE Fact Sheet April 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 compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. General Services Administration hosted a virtual public meeting in support of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion and modernization of the Porthill LPOE. See the Environmental review section for more information.

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 posted below.

Project news

May 10, 2023
GSA to Host Public Meeting for the Expanded Porthill Land Port of Entry

Feb. 22, 2022
President Biden and U.S. General Services Administration Announce Major Land Port Projects funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Project timeline

Planning Design Construction

Project development study/CMA/Acquisition Services
April 2023-March 2025

Design award
April 2025

Construction start date
January 2026

Substantial completion
January 2028

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.

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.

Last Reviewed: 2023-06-07