Port Security Grants Program News

In reviewing the $1.15 trillion amount in the U.S. House-Senate conference agreement released last night for the fiscal 2016 omnibus appropriations bill (HR 2029), the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)—the unified and recognized voice of seaports in America—noted that there are significant funds to enhance U.S. port infrastructure. The largest increases are for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation Program and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants program. The agreement also includes level funding for the U.S.

U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Mexico’s general coordinator of ports and merchant marine, Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, have been jointly selected to receive the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2015 “Port Person of the Year” award. The AAPA selected Sen. Vitter and General Coordinator Ruiz de Teresa for their work toward reforming their country’s water resources development legislation, including boosting federal funding to maintain and improve their nation’s ports and harbors, as well as their efforts in creating jobs and improving economic competitiveness in the U.S. and Mexico. “Both Sen. Vitter and General Coordinator…

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.

American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) Chairman of the Board Dick Steinke, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, told Congress today that at least 52 U.S. public port agencies say they intend to apply for Department of Transportation Port Security Grants totaling $222.8 million. This far exceeds the $93.3 million appropriated by Congress for this program. Steinke testified on behalf of AAPA during a hearing of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. As state and local government agencies, Steinke said in written testimony, public port authorities warrant Federal help and assistance, to avoid new requirements becoming unfunded Federal mandates. Grants, he explained, are the best way to do this.

The U.S. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Inc. military seaports. port security enhancements. Secretary Mineta. Commission on Crime and Security in U. ports. Transportation for Maritime and Land Security, Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis. Groundwork for the PVA program began in 1999 when the U.S. strengths and weaknesses of U.S. ports. The U.S. analysis of ports and critical infrastructure. in our ports," said Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U.S. Guard. by Congress at $93.3 million for FY 2002. enhancing facility and operational security. and Operational Security. assessments, U.S. intelligence and investigative teams. Transportation and the U.S. operations, and to improve maritime security enforcement.

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

Responding to recent news coverage about major management challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the way the department has handled its Port Security Grants Program, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President Kurt Nagle said the criticism "misses the mark," noting that the program's biggest problem is a serious lack of money to assist American seaports in paying for critical security measures. "Like airports, protecting our seaports against terrorism must be a top priority and a shared responsibility between the federal government, local public ports and private industry," said Nagle. Ports are already spending more than $3 billion annually on infrastructure improvements and operating expenses to keep pace with burgeoning world trade.

Responding to recent news coverage about major management challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the way the department has handled its Port Security Grants Program, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President Kurt Nagle said the criticism "misses the mark," noting that the program's biggest problem is a serious lack of money to assist American seaports in paying for critical security measures. "Like airports, protecting our seaports against terrorism must be a top priority and a shared responsibility between the federal government, local public ports and private industry," said Nagle. Ports are already spending more than $3 billion annually on infrastructure improvements and operating expenses to keep pace with burgeoning world trade.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Notice stating that it has initiated Round 3 of the Port Security Grants Program. This round will focus on enhanced facility and operational security. Up to $104 million in grant monies may be awarded in this round. Applications for grants must be received by TSA not later than 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, August 21, 2003. 68 Fed. Reg. 43152

As part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthen security throughout the nation’s transportation system, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced $148 million in new transportation security grants. Secretary Mineta said the $148 million, made available by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will include $105 million in Port Security Grants, $15 million in Intercity Bus Security Grants, and $28 million for Operation Safe Commerce’s pilot program for port security. “The Bush Administration is committed to further securing our nation’s highways, mass transit systems, railways, waterways and pipelines, each of which is critical to ensuring the freedom of mobility and economic growth,” said Secretary Mineta.

Following the mandates to enhance maritime security throughout the United States, programs were developed to make federal funds available to partially offset the costs being imposed on the private sector. The programs, which started off with great fanfare, are in danger of collapsing due to lack of continued funding by Congress and attempts by the Administration to siphon off monies for other missions. The first monies appropriated by Congress for port security grants were in the Department of Defense and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States Act, 2002 (Pub.L. 107-117, January 10, 2002).

The Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration and the Maritime Administration (MarAd) are currently accepting Port Security Grant applications from waterway facilities, terminals and vessels. All grant applications are to be submitted to www.portsecuritygrants.dottsa.net. An announcement providing details about the program is published at the same site, as well as in FedBizOps (http://fedbizopps.gov). The Port Security Grants program includes grants for security assessments and strategies for mitigating vulnerabilities and for enhancing cargo and passenger security access and control. Additional funds will be announced in the near future for port incident training and enhance prevention and response preparedness for countering terrorist incidents.

The Cargo Handling Cooperative Project (CHCP) has initiated a major project, testing and evaluating e-seal technologies for intermodal freight containers. CHCP is a partnership between the U.S. Maritime Administration and private industry. The project will be conducted through such initiatives as Operation Safe Commerce, the Transportation Security Administration's Port Security Grants Program, and security initiatives begun by U.S. Customs. Electronic seals have been put forward as a way to address the security challenges presented by intermodal freight containers. However, they have not yet been applied on a wide scale basis in commercial applications, and any new equipment requirement must be based on a thorough, objective examination of the technology.