AAPA OUTLINES RECOMMENDATION TO CONGRESS FOR SEAPORT SECURITY

AAPA OUTLINES RECOMMENDATION TO CONGRESS FOR SEAPORT SECURITY    The American Association of Port Authorities provided Congress with an outline of steps that could be used to improve seaport security.
   “Since Sept. 11, enhancing seaport security has been a top priority for ports,” AAPA said. “They want to maintain the safest, most secure facilities possible while moving goods efficiently to their destination. Ports have invested millions of their own dollars to increase security measures at their facilities.”
   The AAPA’s recommendations to Congress are:
   * Coordinate and plan seaport security at the local level by creating local security committees, which include industry government agencies, terminal operators and labor unions.
   * Provide federal funds to help ports increase seaport security in a timely manner.
   * Provide additional resources to the Coast Guard and Customs for staff, technology and equipment to monitor cargo without slowing down legitimate trade.
   * Improve communication and coordination between state and local law enforcement agencies, and federal agencies, such as FBI, Coast Guard, and Customs, and the ports.
   * Develop training and certification programs for seaport security officers.
   * Increase international cooperation on seaport security issues.
   * Create a grant program for new technologies to help increase cargo inspections without slowing the movement of commerce.