STUART, Fla.-- A brand new US Customs facility at the Martin County Airport has finally become a reality for many who battled for ten years over it with local leaders.
"There were some elements in this county and some county commissioners that wanted to stop anything and everything at all costs unfortunately and that’s what the roadblock was for years,” says Scott Watson who owns Indiantown Marina.
Until now, the only options for anyone returning to the area by boat or a plane was to detour to customs offices in Fort Pierce or West Palm Beach.
“Most of my customers come back and forth from Bahamas so my customers will definitely use it,” says Watson.
Built at a cost of $1.7 million, most of it was paid by a grant from the state transportation department. The building will now be turned over Border and Customs Protection and is expected to open in early 2019.