Acting Miami port director proposes “millions” in security cuts

Acting Miami port director proposes “millions” in security cuts

Acting Miami port director proposes “millions” in security cuts

   Bill Johnson, acting director at the Port of Miami, said he thinks the port can trim “millions” of dollars from its security budget without reducing the level of security at the port.
   In an interview the Shippers’ NewsWire, Johnson said he could not provide details of the cuts, and did not have financial numbers. Nonetheless, he believes the port can make the security budget cuts, remain in compliance with federal and state security standards, and maintain current levels of safety. He added that he sees security as the port’s top issue.
   Johnson said that since Sept. 11, 2001, the Port of Miami has increased its security spending in the operating budget from $4.1 million a year in fiscal year 2001 to $17 million for fiscal year 2006. Federal and state security grants the port receives are not included in the operating budget.
   Some security spending would be redirected to more security personnel and their equipment, he said, but savings from proposed security budget cuts could be used for port maintenance and improvement projects that have been delayed because of the port’s increased security spending in recent years.
   He toured the port for two days last week with the top official for state port security standards from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
   Johnson is a longtime Miami-Dade County employee who was assistant county manager before taking over as acting director. He has had oversight of major building projects in Miami, including the American Airlines Arena and a major new performing arts center scheduled to open this fall.