County to Set up Offices to Assist International Travelers

RIVERSIDE - Riverside County supervisors today approved the establishment of an International Business Express Office to facilitate the procurement of passports and other documents for travelers.

Supervisors Bob Buster and Jeff Stone introduced the proposal on behalf of the Office of Foreign Trade.

According to the agency, the goal is to offer passport, notary public and visa services to area business interests in a single place.

''This program is in keeping with our objectives of creating a business- friendly environment to support international business ventures,'' Buster and Stone wrote.

They said the International Business Express Office and its satellite branches will provide same-day services ''in conjunction with the Office of Secretary of State of California and the ... county Assessor-Clerk-Recorder.''

County officials said branches may be set up in workforce development centers and libraries. A ''mobile'' service is also planned for busy customers who cannot make the drive to a county facility, according to the OFT.

The agency said fees will be charged for the services, though the amounts weren't specified.