LAND-LOCKED

The existing Burke site was built for seven people, but it now houses 22, which makes it necessary to expand, officials say. Couple that with the 2006 presidential mandate that the Border Patrol hire 6,000 new officers to combat terrorism and protect national security along the nation’s borders, and the needs for more room are even more evident.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Agent Rapid Response Program has increased the work force from 12,000 to 18,000 agents, and as many as 33 more people could be assigned to northern Franklin County.

Expansion is not possible at the current site because it stands on a one-acre, land-locked parcel.

Alternate sites were scouted, and two were studied further to determine their characteristics compared to the Border Patrol’s needs.

CHATEAUGAY

The Chateaugay property is the preferred parcel, situated 1.35 miles west of the Village of Chateaugay and 4.25 miles east of the existing barracks.

Only 22 of the 93 available acres would be developed and used. It includes the main building, garage and storage space, as well as a helicopter-landing pad.

The parcel is not zoned but has been used as pasture land and for growing crops.

There is a two-story abandoned house, a dairy barn and two silos on the property that would be torn down to make room for the barracks.

BURKE

The Burke property would use 10 acres of a 50-acre parcel and is situated a half-mile east of the existing site and 1.1 miles northeast of the Village of Burke.