LaGrange urges Senate to support funding for ports? recovery

LaGrange urges Senate to support funding for portsé recovery    Gary LaGrange, wearing the twin hats of American Association of Port Authorities chairman, and president and chief executive officer of the Port of New Orleans, Wednesday asked Congress to provide federal support for the recovery of Gulf Coast ports impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
   LaGrange told the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance that the hurricanes damaged at least 21 AAPA member ports, as well as other private maritime facilities. He said ports would need help in the form of federal funds, tax relief, and other forms of assistance.
   'These ports are heavily linked to this nation's petroleum, grain and farm products, fruit, poultry, coffee, chemical and steel trades,' LaGrange said. For example, he noted agricultural products from 17    midwestern states move on the Mississippi River.
   He also pointed to the importance of ports for industries like tourism and cruise shipping.
   The hurricanes have also provided lessons for the future, LaGrange noted.
   He said the AAPA surveyed member ports impacted by the hurricanes and came up with four recommendations:
   * Pre-position generators to service public ports.
   * Repair and restore jetties damaged by storm events to assure safe port entry.
   * Provide engineering analysis of damaged and remaining structures at public ports.
   * Revise legislation that limits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ability to accept FEMA funds.