Kurt J Nagle News

Green Marine and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has  signed a Memorandum of Understanding underscoring a new collaboration to advance the environmental sustainability of port and terminal operators. The MOU, signed during AAPA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., will serve as a framework for increased cooperation between the two parties to advance environmental protection at seaports in the Western Hemisphere. AAPA will encourage its members’ participation in the Green Marine environmental program for ports that find it beneficial to their operations and sustainability initiatives. "AAPA wants to take a leadership role in regard to port environmental certification," says AAPA President and CEO Kurt J. Nagle.

Kurt Nagle needs no introduction to MarineNews readers. With more than 30 years of experience in seaports and international trade, he has since 1995 served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Mr. Nagle began working at AAPA, the alliance of the leading public port authorities throughout the Western Hemisphere, in 1985. And, although some may associate him more with ‘bluewater’ issues, Nagle also knows that the health of all U.S.

The American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2013 Cruise Seminar in San Francisco, April 24-26, will kick off with a candid look inside the cruise industry from the perspective of four key cruise line executives and end with a tour of the Port of San Francisco to see the impact of the America’s Cup on port operations. In between these bookend sessions, seminar participants will be treated to a host of presentations ranging from new international regulations on ship air emissions to itinerary planning, cruise facility design, financing and joint-use terminal opportunities.

On December 7, the Senate approved an emergency spending bill for homeland security as part of the Department of Defense FY'02 Appropriations bill. Although Senator Byrd (D-WVA) had to drop his additional funding for homeland security, $50 million for port security was included in the Senate-passed bill. An additional $50 million would be spent in FY '02 on Coast Guard ($12 million); Customs ($15 million), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) ($23 million); $12 million of this would be for loan guarantees. House/Senate negotiations on the final bill are expected to take place soon. The House version does provide money for Customs and Coast Guard, but does not fund MARAD's programs. On Dec. 13, U.S.

U.S. ports will soon begin applying for $93.3 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to enhance seaport security. The new Port Security Grants program will be administered by the Maritime Association (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). “We’re very pleased that Congress recognized the tremendous need for Federal help at U.S. seaports and appropriated emergency funding for security enhancements,” said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities. “While the $93.3 million is a good initial investment, we anticipate that much more will be needed to protect America’s ports from terrorism and other Federal crimes. Seaports are vital to the nation’s economic growth and vitality.

U.S. port authorities are pleased about the passage of H.R. 3983, the “Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002,” by the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T & I) Committee on March 20. “We thank Chairman Don Young (R-AK) of the House T & I Committee, and Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) of Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, for their leadership on moving to address maritime security,” said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). “We are encouraged about the $225 million authorized for Federal grants to help ports enhance seaport security, and the local flexibility provided for vessels and facilities to address terrorism at America’s ports.

U.S. ports will soon begin applying for $93.3 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to enhance seaport security. The new Port Security Grants program will be administered by the Maritime Association (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "We're very pleased that Congress recognized the tremendous need for Federal help at U.S. seaports and appropriated emergency funding for security enhancements," said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities. "We commend DOT's extraordinary efforts to get this grant program up and running quickly." Ports need to submit grant applications electronically through MARAD's web site, www.portsecuritygrants.dottsa.net

Increased funding for port security in H.R. 3983, the "Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002," was passed the House on June 4. The FY '02 supplemental appropriations bills, which the House has passed and the Senate may vote on this week, also include additional port security funds. "Greater resources are critical for continued improvements in security at our nation's ports," said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). "We applaud Congress for recognizing this need, and for its investment in helping to secure port facilities from terrorist attacks. H.R. 3983 authorizes $225 million for Federal grants to help ports enhance seaport security, and allows local flexibility to address terrorism at America's ports.

The Administration's proposed tax to pay for harbor dredging is not a viable or equitable solution to funding navigation channel maintenance at the nation's ports, says the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). AAPA and others testified at a House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Hearing on the Administration's Harbor Services Fund (HSF) proposal, H. R. 1947. The plan creates a new tax on vessels to replace the Harbor Maintenance Tax, the export-tax portion of which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1998. The administration proposal, submitted to Congress, but not yet introduced as a bill, would…

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the recent release of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) "Report to Congress on National Highway System (NHS) Intermodal Freight Connectors." The report, requested by Congress under the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), reviews connectors to seaports, airports, and major intermodal terminals to determine: (1) their condition; (2) improvements or investments made or planned; and, (3) impediments and options to making improvements. According to AAPA President Kurt J. Nagle, "The study confirms concerns that ports have expressed for years that freight projects are not getting a fair share of investment dollars.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the recent release of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) "Report to Congress on National Highway System (NHS) Intermodal Freight Connectors." The report, requested by Congress under the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), reviews connectors to seaports, airports, and major intermodal terminals to determine: their condition; improvements or investments made or planned; and, impediments and options to making improvements. According to AAPA President Kurt J. Nagle, "The study confirms concerns that ports have expressed for years that freight projects are not getting a fair share of investment dollars.

The Civil Works budget proposed by the Bush Administration represents a 14 percent decrease from last year and falls far short of meeting the nation's water resources infrastructure needs, said the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The budget outline released on February 28 would decrease the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Budget to $3.9 billion. Last year Congress appropriated $4.54 billion, which still fell short of demand for water infrastructure improvements. Over the last five years, the Corps budget has not even kept pace with inflation. "While we are pleased the budget proposes to give priority to projects and programs with significant national benefits…

Seaport security grants totaling $92.3 million announced by Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta on June 17 will help provide urgently needed funding to the nation's port authorities for security enhancements. Ninety-five percent of the nation's overseas trade by volume moves through ports. Since September 11, 2001, ports have invested millions of dollars to improve security at marine terminals. The DOT funding will help a number of them conduct port vulnerability assessments, and continue to improve security measures such as personnel (a recurring annual cost), gate and entry controls, surveillance systems, lighting, X-ray equipment, fencing and radiation detection equipment.

Kurt J. Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. proposed business arrangement involving non-U.S. U.S. operating companies to operate port-owned facilities. of a merger or acquisition, must be approved by the port authority. federal funds. dredging or port expansion projects,” said Nagle. these limited funds, however, is a delay in making security enhancements. particularly the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta will address port authority leaders from across the Western Hemisphere on Tuesday, September 24, 2002, at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Secretary Mineta will address delegates and guests at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities AAPA), from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday's luncheon, in the Venetian Ballroom. "We're really pleased that the Secretary will join us to address some very important port issues," said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA president. Secretary Mineta will likely talk about port security, the new Transportation Security Administration, reauthorization of the Transportation Efficiency Act of 2001 (TEA 21), and the need for SEA 21 legislation.

Agustin Díaz, deputy general manager of the Curaçao Ports Authority, Inc., was installed as Chairman of the Board of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) during the September 26th Annual Membership Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL. Díaz succeeded as Chairman of the Board Dick Steinke, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “We’re pleased to have Agustin lead the Association on behalf of AAPA’s Latin American delegation,” said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA President. “He will be working to help connect and build stronger relationships between our 150 port members who come from more than 30 countries and speak a variety of languages. Before joining the Curaçao Ports Authority, Díaz was the commissioner of the island government in charge of ports.

measures but cited government figures indicating that the sum represents just a fraction of what ports need to secure the nation's water borders. "U.S. ports are pleased that another $104 million in Federal funds will be going toward port security," said Kurt J. American Association of Port Authorities. security enhancements. in Federal funds. U.S. million, followed by recurring annual costs of $535 million. Act. across our water borders," Nagle said. FY'03 Budget being negotiated in Congress will provide additional funds. 11, 2001. "Consider that U.S. trade by volume, including most imported crude petroleum," Nagle said. the U.S. country to economic paralysis. deployment of our U.S. now - is heavily reliant on ports," he added.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has added a seminar on port security to its industry-leading schedule of education and training programs. This AAPA Security Seminar, the third in two years, is set for July 30 through Aug. 1 at the Sheraton Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, Calif. "With security being by far the No. 1 priority for seaports today, we believe it is vital that we dedicate an entire 2½-day seminar to the myriad issues surrounding port security," said Kurt J. Nagle, President of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The AAPA Security Seminar will bring to an even dozen the number of annual conferences, seminars and related programs offered by the association.

Public Port Authorities are commending President Bush for signing two key pieces of legislation that combined establish a framework for protecting the United States from maritime terrorism. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Maritime Transportation Security Act were both signed into law at the White House yesterday. The new Department of Homeland Security will coordinate all border security functions, including those that will be responsible for maritime security, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs Service, the Transportation Security Administration and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The new Department will take the lead in implementing much of the Maritime Transportation Security Act.

for protecting the United States from maritime terrorism. Act were both signed into law at the White House yesterday. such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Security Administration and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Transportation Security Act. the imperative task of securing our borders and our ports,” said Kurt J. Nagle, President of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). essential in protecting the vital interests of the U.S. our overall national economy and security,” Nagle continued. “U.S. AAPA, representing the interests of U.S. of the nation’s ports. enhancements in a timely and effective manner. round of port security grants. has been spent at airports,” Nagle said. secure America’s ports. better prepared to avert and deter risks. Nagle said.

Port industry veteran Lori A. Baer has been appointed director of communications of the American Association of Port Authorities. "We are pleased to be able to bring to this key position an experienced professional with such familiarity with the goals of ports throughout the Western Hemisphere," said Kurt J. Nagle, president of the AAPA. Baer began her port industry career at AAPA in 1982, initially as executive assistant to the president and then as director of membership services. She was involved in the development of the AAPA's highly successful education and training programs. In 1985, Baer began a 12-year stint at the Port of Miami, serving four years as marketing and public relations assistant and the final eight of those years as director of promotions and advertising.

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. (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).

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will work cooperatively to serve the port and cruise industries. The agreement was announced at a meeting of leaders of AAPA and FCCA at the offices of the Tampa Port Authority. Michele M. Stephen A. Nielsen, Vice-President, Caribbean & Atlantic Shore Operations, of Princess Cruises, who serves as chairman of the FCCA Security Operations Committee, added, "It's long overdue that the AAPA and the FCCA work more closely in dealing with issues which affect the members of both associations. Today's agreement expands existing links between the two organizations, according to Kurt J. Nagle, president of AAPA. "Many of AAPA's major cruise ports are also members of FCCA," Nagle noted.