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Border traffic in Whatcom off to slow start in 2017

By Dave Gallagher

dgallagher@bhamherald.com

U.S. Customs agents inspect cars traveling from Canada to the U.S. at the Blaine truck crossing border. In January 848,791 people crossed southbound through the five Whatcom County border crossings.
U.S. Customs agents inspect cars traveling from Canada to the U.S. at the Blaine truck crossing border. In January 848,791 people crossed southbound through the five Whatcom County border crossings. Philip A. Dwyer pdwyer@bhamherald.com

Cross-border traffic in Whatcom County is starting off much like it did in 2016.

In January 848,791 people crossed southbound through the five Whatcom County border crossings, according to data gathered by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute.

That was nearly equal to the January 2016 total of 848,339. Last month’s total is still down 13.6 percent compared to January 2015.

The Canadian dollar experienced a bit of a rally in January, rising from 74 cents compared to the U.S. dollar to nearly 77 cents by Jan. 31. It is currently hovering around 75 cents compared to the U.S. dollar.

Dave Gallagher: 360-715-2269, @BhamHeraldBiz

This story was originally published February 28, 2017 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Border traffic in Whatcom off to slow start in 2017."

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