Public port authorities commend Congress for passing S. 1214, the “Maritime Transportation Security Act,” which sets out a
framework on how to protect America from terrorism threats in the marine
environment.
"We commend Congressional leaders from both parties for making passage of
Federal Maritime
Transportation Security legislation a priority in the lame
duck session. Chairman Hollings
(D-SC), Senator McCain (R-AZ), Senator Graham (D-FL), Senator Breaux
(D-LA), Chairman Young (R-AK), Rep. Oberstar (D-MN), and Rep. LoBiondo
(R-NJ), as well as many others have worked hard to forge an agreement
allowing this legislation to be enacted,” said Kurt J. Nagle, President of
the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). “Congress recognizes
that taking immediate measures to protect America's ports is critical to
our Nation's security and economic vitality, given that U.S. ports handle
95% of overseas trade by volume and support the mobilization and deployment
of our armed forces.”
Enhancing maritime security is the top priority for port authorities and
AAPA strongly supports Federal legislation and programs to protect ports
from acts of terrorism. Passage of this legislation is a major step in
establishing a framework for ports and others in the maritime industry to
partner with the Federal government to protect America's homeland. AAPA
looks forward to working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard as it takes on
the responsibility for implementing much of the Act.
“AAPA is pleased the legislation provides for the establishment of local
area
security advisory committees and the flexibility to develop security
plans and appropriate security measures reflective of the varying character
and nature of individual ports and facilities,” stated Kurt Nagle. The
bill establishes a family of plans - national, area, facilities and vessels
- aimed at deterring maritime terrorist incidents. The bill also requires
facility and
vessel response plans.
AAPA also strongly endorsed the bill’s establishment of a Federal grant
program to help ports make security enhancements in a timely and effective
manner. As noted in the recent Hart/ Rudman report on U.S. preparedness on
terrorism, it is vital that this program be adequately and quickly funded
to help secure America’s ports.
Port authorities are public agencies run by city, county and state
governments. They range from large facilities that move millions of cargo
containers, to smaller ports that import and export dry or liquid bulk
products such as chemicals, fertilizer, coal, grain, petroleum and iron
ore.