New York Gov. George Pataki wants to see smoother, faster truck crossings at the Canadian border.
According to The Buffalo (N.Y.) News, during remarks at the Buffalo Club last week, Pataki said, "We believe there are major steps that can make border crossings freer and safer, and enhance security for both Canada and the U.S."

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, increased security at the border has caused a bottleneck for goods moved by truck between the two countries.
Pataki suggested moving inspections to sites away from the border and using more technology. Although the border crossing is under federal jurisdiction, not the state's Pataki told the group of business and political leaders that he will push for changes after receiving a joint report from U.S. and Canadian businesses.
Even before Sept. 11, companies near the border have pushed for streamlined customs inspections.
Canadian Consul General Roger Marsham, who attended the meeting, told the paper that his country is ready to work with the U.S. on the issue. However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Customers service told the News only that border streamlining ideas "are being evaluated."
What the agency is doing is trying to fill more than 200 vacant border inspector positions and adding new positions, she told the paper, emphasizing that terrorism, not commerce, is the agency's top priority.