Group seeks port security enhancements

Group seeks port security enhancements A 20-person task force established by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Chairman Anthony R. Coscia is recommending additional steps to enhance security at all 361 U.S. seaports.
   The port authority said the committee's primary recommendations include:
   * A federal law 'sanctioning minimum mandatory cargo security standards that use innovative technology and business practices to monitor every cargo shipment.'
   * Appointment by President Bush of a national port and cargo security director, for coordinating port and cargo security activities at federal agencies and internationally.
   * A port security user fee with funds dedicated exclusively to U.S. ports based on size, cargo volume and risk. The fee, which the group said should be implemented by the end of 2007, would be used to offset capital and operating costs related to security by port facility owners or operators.
   * Creation of 'response and recovery plans' if a port is shut down by a disaster.
   * A federal law requiring maritime facilities and the Coast Guard to 'implement a comprehensive risk-management plan that will form the basis for resource allocation decision making, similar to the protocols for other state, urban area and mass transit funding.'
   The port authority said the group would continue to draw attention to port security in the future.
   Committee members included all the port authority commissioners and executives from a variety of private businesses and non-profits.