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Janet Napolitano, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, traveled from Great Falls to Havre on Wednesday, hosting a town hall meeting with U.S. Customs and Borders Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin.

One major concern presented to Secretary Napolitano, Commissioner Bersin, and members of the state's Congresssional delegation was the future of the Port of Whitetail.

At least $8 million has been invested in the site, but the Canadian side has announced plans to close their side of the port.

"Obviously had we known ahead of time about the decision by Canada, the tentative decision to close their side of the port, we might have made a different decision with respect to improving the port," Napolitano explained. "But we didn't. That happens. Then the question is: well, what do you do? Well, we are not going to do anything without making sure we have had good and active consultation with the local community."

She also talked about the Wildhorse port, which may be moving toward being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She says as of now there is an announcement to extend summer hours.

"Secretary [Napolitano] has authorized us to continue summer hours. To continue to do that not only through October, that is from 8 to 9 p.m., but to pick that up again next March, March 2011 and continue it for one more full season," Commissioner Bersin stated.

Secretary Napolitano told members of the public the northern border is unique because it's large and sparsely populated. She added there should be many more smaller ports along its length and that the U.S. needs to look at working with Canada; not only for securing the border but for potential economic growth for both sides.