Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from The American Association of Port
Authorities (AAPA) and thought it would be of interest. If you have
missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site.
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Ray
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AAPA WELCOMES HOUSE VOTE TO INCREASE FY’07
PORT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING
Ports Criticize Decision To Cut Port Security Funding in FY‘06
Emergency Supplemental Bill
ALEXANDRIA, VA (Wednesday, June 7, 2006) – The American Association of
Port Authorities (AAPA) today welcomed the U.S. House of
Representatives' approval yesterday to increase by 14 percent the
funding for the Port Security Grant program in fiscal year 2007. By a
vote of 389 to 9, the House version of the FY'07 appropriations bill
for the Department of Homeland Security would provide $200 million in
Port Security Grant program funds, compared to $150 million
recommended by the House for FY'06.
"AAPA is pleased the House recognizes the need of U.S. ports to have a
greater financial partnership with the federal government in paying
for critical seaport security measures, such as state-of-the-art
surveillance technology and protections against things like
vehicle-borne improvised explosion devices at our nation's ports,"
said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO.
While appreciative of House members for approving an increase in Port
Security Grant funding for next year, Mr. Nagle said the annual
funding need is still twice what the House voted to provide. He
followed by saying that AAPA member seaports are “extremely
disappointed” that the Senate-House conference committee last night
decided to cut all $648 million for port security, including an
additional $227 million for this year’s Port Security Grant program,
out of the FY'06 emergency supplemental appropriations bill. He said
port security was considered a top priority by both the Administration
and Congress during consideration of the P&O/DP World transaction, but
they missed an opportunity to make a real difference on the issue.
"An annual appropriation of $400 million for the Port Security Grant
program is crucial, and the additional money proposed in the Senate
version of the FY'06 emergency appropriations spending bill would have
brought it up to that level for the first time," said Mr. Nagle.
"Considering the high cost of implementing port security, including
the new Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) system
announced last month, ports more than ever need a greater federal
partnership in their efforts to harden their facilities against
terrorism."
Adoption of the new TWIC rules, once finalized, will create a
standardized nationwide identification procedure for those needing
unescorted access to secure areas of seaports and vessels. This
includes truck drivers, longshore workers, port authority staff and
contractors, and vessel and rail operators. While AAPA member ports
have anxiously awaited rollout of this program ever since it was
mandated in the 2002 Maritime Transportation Security Act, they are
concerned about paying for TWIC implementation, which the Department
of Homeland Security has estimated will cost between $299 million and
$325 million.
"It's important that the next annual spending bill provide the full
$400 million for the Port Security Grant program to help ports pay to
install TWIC card readers and associated expenses at their
facilities," remarked Mr. Nagle. "AAPA will continue to work with the
Senate to achieve this funding level, which is the level identified in
both the Greenlane Maritime Cargo Security Act and the SAFE Ports Act
bills now pending in Congress."
In addition to more money for the Port Security Grant program, the
House version of the FY'07 appropriations bill would also provide $139
million for the overseas Container Security Initiative (about $60
million less than authorized); $500 million for the Domestic Nuclear
Detection Office ($36 million less than authorized); and $70.1 million
(or nearly $5 million less than authorized) for the Customs-Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism, a voluntary program that offers
expedited security processing for certain shippers.
The American Association of Port Authorities was founded in 1912 and
today represents 150 of the leading public port authorities in the
United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition,
the Association represents 300 sustaining and associate members, firms
and individuals with an interest in the seaports of the Western
Hemisphere. AAPA port members are public entities mandated by law to
serve public purposes. Port authorities facilitate waterborne commerce
and contribute to local, regional and national economic growth.
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