HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2001.11.29 - 26574Miscellaneous Resolution # 01 318_
BY: Commissioner Ruel E. McPherson, District #25
RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - SUPPORT EFFORTS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY
OF MICHIGAN'S BORDER'S
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Americans from all
walks of life are stepping forward and providing unprecedented, heroic service to their
country in its time of extraordinary need; and
WHEREAS, many of them are working in vital but behind-the-scenes roles.
Nowhere is this spirit of heroic service better exemplified than in Southeast Michigan,
where officers from 33 law-enforcement agencies are working virtually around the clock
to help keep traffic moving safely and efficiently at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the
Ambassador Bridge in Detroit and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron; and
WHEREAS, without this local assistance, U.S. Customs and Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) agents would find it difficult — if not virtually impossible — to
prevent massive traffic backups at the busiest border-crossing points between the United
States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, the Customs and INS officials have sought emergency back-up
assistance. In response, 33 local law enforcement agencies are assisting federal agents
with vehicle inspections and security; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative the National Guard and local law enforcement
personnel remain on duty for the next 9 to 12 months, while permanent replacements are
trained and fully deployed to handle the heightened security demands at our northern
border; and
WHEREAS, while we applaud the efforts of these local agencies that are
volunteering 76 officers a day to supplement the INS and Customs staffing shortages, we
recognize that these efforts cannot continue without just compensation; and
WHEREAS, the Detroit Regional Chamber's Northern Border for Economic Security
and Trade (NBEST) supports earmarking $10 million in federal funds to support these local
law-enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, Canada is, by far, our nation's biggest trading partner with $1 billion
worth of goods crossing the U.S-Canadian border every day —40 percent of it through the
Detroit Region. Any long-term disruptions to this flow would undoubtedly have a serious
negative impact on both our national security — and the economic development, trade and
tourism in Oakland County and throughout southeast Michigan.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners does hereby support emergency funding for local law enforcement
agencies and the National Guard, allowing for their continued assistance in maintaining
a secure and efficient border system at the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit Windsor Tunnel
and the Blue Water Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT copies of this adopted resolution be sent to
President George W. Bush, Governor John Engler, the Michigan Delegation to the state
legislature and in Congress, Senator Carl Levin, the Michigan Association of Counties, the
National Association of Counties and Oakland County's legislative lobbyists.
Mr. Chairperson, I move the adoption of the foregoing Resolution.
Ruel E. McPherson
District #25
Resolution #01318 November 29, 2001
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government
Committee. There were no objections.