RAYMOND, MT — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has reversed and earlier decision and will keep the Raymond, MT port of entry (POE) open 24 hours a day, rather than closing it in the overnight hours.

Located across the Canadian border from Regway, SK, the move came following a pushback by Montana lawmakers who said limiting operations to 18 hours per day would result in negative economic consequences and would leave a more than 500 mile gap between 24 hour ports on the border.

According to published reports, Canada is Montana’s largest trading, last year exporting US$549 million worth of goods to Canada.

Last month CPB said it would reduce hours at the Raymond POE in late December from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days per week due to a considerable drop in truck traffic after midnight.

“I’m thankful that CBP has listened to Montanans and reversed their misguided plan to quietly reduce operating hours at the Port of Raymond,” said Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines. “The Port of Raymond plays an important part in northeastern Montana’s economy and I’m pleased that this issue has been resolved without causing any unnecessary negative economic impact to the region.”