BURKE — The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol presence in northern Franklin County could more than double when a new barracks is built along Route 11.

And the staff of 22 could grow to 53 agents and support staff once it is operational.

But there is no time frame for construction or a date for opening, according to Border Patrol officials.

SITES IDENTIFIED

Two possible sites are under consideration for the 25,000-square-foot building: a grassy field at the intersection of Route 11 and Montgomery Road in the Town of Burke and an abandoned farm at the corner of Route 11 and Malone-Chateaugay Road (Franklin County Road 23) in the Town of Chateaugay.

One snag is that the Burke parcel was sold between the time on-site surveys and research for a draft environmental-impact statement was conducted and Friday, when the overall report was finished.

The full 237-page report is available for public viewing at the Chateaugay Library during regular business hours or online at www.northernborderNEPA.com.

Public comments will be accepted until April 28.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Because negotiations are under way, Border Patrol officials at the Swanton, Vt., sector, which includes the Burke substation, said they cannot comment on plans for the new building.

But the initial plan states that the $6.25 million project would create about 52 construction jobs and pump $1.87 million in wages into the local economy.

Once the 33 new agents arrive, their average annual income of $40,000 should also increase the sales-tax revenue and business, in general, at retail and grocery stores.

Housing will also be needed by the families moving to the area, and it is estimated that 12 to 15 more students will attend local schools.