Army rejects Aberdeen security costs over May anti-war demonstrations

Army rejects Aberdeen security costs over May anti-war demonstrations The U.S. Army has refused to cover the city of Aberdeen's $165,000 bill for local security costs at the Washington state Port of Grays Harbor during a May anti-war demonstration over military equipment shipments through the port.
   In a letter to the city, Army officials said the cost of the extra manpower and overtime was an unfortunate financial burden put on the city by the protestors and not the military.
   'It was not the actions of our military personnel that necessitated the large influx of emergency services,' the letter said. 'Rather, it was unfortunately the result of protest activity over which we had no control. As a result, we are not able to reimburse you for the funds expended.'
   'This letter I can put in the shredder,' said Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson during Wednesday's City Council meeting. 'We ain't getting (the money). But I haven't given up yet. I gave a copy of this to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., when she was here and let her know my feelings, and I hope she would follow through.'
   The eight-day May demonstration was prompted by helicopters, vehicles and other cargo'destined for service in Iraq'being shipped from Fort Lewis and loaded at the port.
   Following large peace protests during earlier military loadings at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Grays Harbor officials felt obligated to station additional security both at Terminal 4 and outside the port property utilizing forces from the adjacent city of Aberdeen. Protesters did show up en masse on three days of the loading, but the demonstrations were all peaceful and no arrests were made.
   In August, the city of Grays Harbor presented the federal government with its own bill for security costs during the demonstration amounting to $366,000.