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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2003

SCHUMER, CLINTON: $1.1 MILLION HEADED TO ROCHESTER'S CANADIAN AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

Senators announce that Homeland Security Department is sending federal port security funds to fast ferry company

US Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing $1.1 million to Canadian American Transportation Systems, LLC the Rochester-based corporation charged with establishing and operating fast ferry service between Rochester and Toronto, Ontario.

"The fast ferry has the potential to be a godsend to the area that will boost commerce and tourism, and today's announcement gets us closer to the finish line," Schumer said. "We're not there yet, but this is a good sign that the Administration agrees with us that the fast ferry is worth investing in. Now we have to continue to keep up the pressure, and I intend to do just that."

“I am pleased to announced this funding today because I share the belief of so many people that the fast ferry will be an integral part of Rochester’s economic future. The Fast Ferry project will not only bring tourists to Rochester but it will open the City as a gateway to Canada and beyond,” Senator Clinton said.

The Senators said the money is a straight grant from the Homeland Security Department's Port Security Grant Program and can be applied for any safety need, including securing waterfront facilities and fleet.

The grant was awarded to Canadian American Transportation Systems (CATS), the private company launching the ferry between Rochester and Toronto. CATS plans to transport passengers and vehicles across Lake Ontario several times a day starting as early as Spring of 2004.

Because the US Customs facility being built at the port of Rochester for the fast ferry is one of the first new border crossings in the country since September 11, there have been security concerns surrounding the project.

This is the second year in a row DHS has awarded port security grants under the program.

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