Press Release

05/19/09

"Passports on the Move" Program Unveiled to Local Businesses and Organizations

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul says outreach program designed to ease application process, save staff time for employers

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul today announced expansion of the "Passports on the Move" program after the initial outreach was so successful. The program offers on-site Passport application processing for businesses and organizations that can provide a minimum of 20 people who want to obtain Passports. The "Sponsor" of the event is provided with applications, identification requirements, fee schedules and payment methods, as well as offering on-site photo processing.

The June 1st border crossing changes were the initial motivation for the start of the program. "With our continuing efforts to make sure all travelers who need a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document have the ability to obtain one, this Passport outreach is another avenue for our office to provide that service to the people of Erie County," said Hochul. "Our initial efforts have been very well received by the sponsoring businesses." Brian Murray, Western Regional Director of Travel for AAA said the outreach program has many benefits. "We were able to offer our regular travel customers this outstanding convenience, and with the crew from the Erie County Clerk's office accepting the applications, almost 200 people were able to apply for their Passports," said Murray.

According to the County Clerk, last week her staff went on-site to the Philips Lytle, LLC law firm and processed 45 passport applications in a little over 2 hours. David McNamara, Managing Partner of the firm, said "he very much appreciated the County Clerk's outreach to the business community and the terrific convenience extended to the staff."

For more information on the "Passports on the Move" program log onto our website at www.erie.gov/clerk or call Tom Garlick at 858-7754