Feds: Busy weekend for NY's border crossings

Feds: Busy weekend, longer waits expected at NY's border crossings amid budget cuts

CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. (AP) -- Federal officials are advising travelers to expect longer wait times during the Easter weekend at the border crossings with Canada in western and northern New York.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says traffic is expected to increase starting Friday and running through Eastern Sunday at several border crossings in New York state, including Buffalo and Champlain, just north of Plattsburgh.

Officials say U.S. border crossings continue to experience longer wait times than usual due to federal sequestration cutbacks. Customs and Border Protection has reduced overtime for its officers at ports of entry.

Waits at some border crossings are expected to worsen in coming weeks as the agency begins furloughs amid a hiring freeze.