Today (October 26, 2010) marks the official opening of the public area at the Arkansas Passport Center. The public counters are a new addition to this mega-processing facility, operated by the Department of State, to print passport books and passport cards.

Previously closed to the public, the Arkansas Passport Center has produced 30 million passports since its opening in 2007. American citizens with urgent travel plans will now be able to apply for passports in person at the center.

The Arkansas Passport Center's public counters are located at 191 Office Park Drive in Hot Springs. The mega-processing facility has more than 230 employees.

Earlier this month, the Department of State opened the Buffalo Passport Agency. Over the next six months, the Department plans to open passport agencies in Atlanta, Georgia; San Diego, California; El Paso, Texas; and St. Albans, Vermont.

Public counters were added at another existing passport center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has made all of these projects possible.

Travelers with urgent travel requirements may schedule an appointment at the Arkansas Passport Center or other regional

passport agencies, by calling 1-877-487-2778.

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