KENMARE (AP) - Officials and residents on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border are pushing for a four-lane U.S. Highway 52 from northwest of Minot to the Portal port of entry.

But such a project is years from becoming reality, if it ever happens.

Dylan Clarke, economic development director in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, spoke to officials in Kenmare recently. Clarke maintains that a four-lane freeway from Regina to Minot would reduce fatalities, boost the economy and help tourism.

Billie Jo Lorius, a spokeswoman for the state Transportation Department, said a four-lane Highway 52 project would need to be added to the state's prioritized list of road projects. That list already contains four year's worth of projects, she said.

Ward County Commissioner Carroll Erickson said Saskatchewan should consider building its portion of the road as a way to convince officials on the American side.

"It would put tremendous pressure on us to put a four-lane on 52," Erickson said. "There's no doubt we need to get started on this."

Rep. Glen Froseth, R-Kenmare, said he intends to introduce legislation next year calling for a four-lane 52 as part of a statewide transportation plan.

"This would be a great thing for the state of North Dakota," he said.

Carpio resident G.W. Patterson suggests U.S. 52 become North Dakota's first toll road, to cover the estimated $120 million in four-lane construction costs.

North Dakota Highway Patrol Capt. Gary Orluck, who is stationed in Minot, said there has been an increase in Canadian traffic on U.S. 52 but that a road-widening project completed in 2006 has reduced safety hazards.

"Personally, I'd love to see a four-lane because (the highway) carries a lot of traffic," he said. "And it is a safety consideration. But it has to be balanced with funding and DOT priorities."

Saskatchewan government traffic counts at North Portal indicate an average of 800 vehicles per day cross through the port of entry.

George Stamatinos, an assistant Saskatchewan deputy minister, said commerce has to drive the need to rebuild U.S. 52 and the connecting Saskatchewan Provincial Highway 39.

"It's not about traffic counts, it's about trade," he said.

Roger Wetherell, a spokesman for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, said having a four-lane highway through Alberta and Saskatchewan to the U.S. interstate system in North Dakota would enhance Alaska's connection with the lower 48 states.

"Any traffic advancement that creates the possibility for increased visitors and the movement of people and goods to the state of Alaska, if affiliated with a new highway expansion project along U.S. Highway 52, can certainly be viewed as a positive step forward for Alaska," he said.

North Dakota Sen. Dave O'Connell, D-Lansford, the Senate minority leader, and Stamatinos said obstacles include such things as user taxes, and uniform size and weight laws for semitrailers.

"We have to put some things in place before we can start building a highway," O'Connell said. But he added that "I think it's a good deal to get that corridor set up, and personally, I'd like to see as much four-laning as possible."