The smart stage two cascade gateway advanced border information system (ABIS) implementation project will deploy a hybrid solution of innovative technologies to replace and improve ageing border…

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Immediate Office of the Secretary awarded Washington State Department of Transportation $6.6 million under the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program (CFDA 20.941) on September 1, 2025, for the SMART Stage Two Cascade Gateway Advanced Border Information System (ABIS) Implementation Project. This Project Grant funds the deployment of a hybrid solution incorporating innovative technologies to replace and modernize aging border wait time systems currently operating at the region's four U.S.-Canada land ports-of-entry. The project, which runs through August 31, 2028, represents a Stage Two implementation award under the SMART program, which supports full-scale deployment of previously developed technology concepts to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

The SMART Grants Program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with $500 million in total appropriations distributed across fiscal years 2022 through 2026, funds demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city and community technologies. Stage Two awards, such as this Cascade Gateway ABIS project, typically support implementation initiatives with funding levels up to $15 million and performance periods of 18 to 36 months. All awards are issued as Project Grants subject to 2 CFR 200 audit requirements and standard Department of Transportation grant administration procedures.

The smart stage two cascade gateway advanced border information system (ABIS) implementation project will deploy a hybrid solution of innovative technologies to replace and improve ageing border wait time (BWT) systems at the region's four U.S. - canada land ports-of-entry (POE).