Port Leaders To Focus on Trade and Security at Convention
Port authority leaders from across the Western Hemisphere will gather from September 22 - 26, 2002, at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, to address issues such as trade trends, maritime security, financing requirements at ports, and cruise operations. The 91st Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is expected to attract up to 800 delegates and guests to Palm Beach. The Port of Palm Beach will serve as host and plans a number of social events to highlight the region. The Palm Beach Annual Convention will begin with a reception on Sunday evening, September 22. Technical and policy committees will meet on Monday, September 23.
DOT Secretary Mineta to Give Keynote Address at AAPA Convention
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.
Ports Urge Additional Funding for Port Security
U.S. public port authorities discussed the need for Federal legislation and continued Federal funding for maritime security. They urged Congress to appropriate additional funds for Fiscal Year ’03 during their Legislative Policy Council (LPC) meeting on Monday, September 23, 2002. Port authorities are meeting this week at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. John A. Flaherty, Chief of Staff of the Department of Transportation, said during remarks at a luncheon today that ports have an historic opportunity to influence reauthorization of the Transportation Efficiency Act (TEA 21) next year, when the current legislation expires in September.
