CHIPPEWA BAY — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has denied a request to designate Dark Island, the home of the historic Singer Castle, as a seasonal port of entry because it would require significant investment in infrastructure and staffing.

In a news release, Canadian Sen. Robert W. Runciman said that he was “disappointed” by the U.S. Customs response but that he is not giving up on the idea.

“It seems to me that U.S. Customs and Border Protection was looking for reasons not to do this, rather than trying to come up with ways that they could,” he said. “I think there are solutions if Customs is willing to think creatively.”

Canadian boat operators heading to Singer Castle are forced to make a detour to Heart Island, home of Boldt Castle, for customs clearance.

Sen. Runciman and Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, have been trying to get Dark Island designated as a port of entry to boost the Thousand Islands attraction’s tourism potential.

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