WASHINGTON – The Treasury-Postal Appropriations Conference Report given final approval by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, will bolster security along Maine’s border with Canada and provide substantial funding for a border station in the Jackman area, according to U.S. Rep. John Baldacci.

Overall, the appropriations measure includes $32.8 billion in funding for fiscal year 2002. For added security along the U.S. border, it provides $2.7 billion for the Customs Service. This represents an 18 percent increase in funding for customs. Of that total, $28 million was included to specifically address staffing issues along the northern U.S. border. This will ensure that more agents are posted along the U.S.-Canadian border in Maine.

The conference report also includes $868,000 for design and construction expenses associated with a border station in Jackman. The facility should enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of border-crossing operations in the Jackman area.

Additionally, the legislation includes $226 million for a high-intensity drug-trafficking program, $180 million to continue a youth anti-drug media campaign, $51 million for the Drug-Free Communities Act program and $42 million for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center.

“This conference report isn’t perfect, but it includes many important provisions. It will strengthen security along our borders and serve to alleviate some of the delays that pose a frustration and economic challenge to residents of border communities in Maine and many other states,” Baldacci said. “This measure will also bring substantial resources to our state for the Jackman border station project. And it will address drug trafficking and substance abuse concerns that plague many areas of our country.”