A satellite passport processing office will be open adjacent to Northtown Plaza Auto Bureau from Wednesday to July 13 to help Erie County residents avoid a $35 hike in federal passport fees that goes into effect July 13.

“While we fought against the increase imposed by the Department of State, my goal now is to offer a creative opportunity . . . so our customers can apply for new passports without having to pay more,” said Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, who proposed opening the satellite office.

The satellite passport processing office will be open daily from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m., excluding Sunday. The county clerk’s office on Franklin

Street will continue to process passports, as well.