Ports Seeking More Federal Money for Security
fficials from the American Association of Port Authorities have warned Congress that federal funding for the nation’s ports is inadequate, American Trucking Associations said.
AAPA also said that that underfunding security and deep-draft channel maintenance could hamper port operations and negatively impact the U.S. economy.
Almost all — 99% — of U.S. overseas cargo, valued at $2 trillion, passes through U.S. ports annually, ATA said.
Port officials also questioned a proposal to eliminate a port security grant program and include maritime security infrastructure needs with other modes such as trains, trucks, busses and public transit.
In five rounds of funding since 2002, the program has provided U.S. ports with $708 million.
The U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that port facilities will have to spend $5.4 billion over 10 years to comply with new regulations in accordance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, ATA said.
