Iraq war supplemental bill included port security funds
The compromise Iraqi war appropriations supplemental bill signed by President Bush last week included $110 million in additional funding for the federal Port Security Grant program for the current fiscal year.
'An additional $110 million will go a long way toward helping our nation's ports further enhance security against terrorist acts,' said Kurt Nagle, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
An earlier, vetoed supplemental bill contained $190 million for port security grants, while the latest, enacted version provides $110 million. When added to the already appropriated $210 million, that means $320 million will be made available for port security grants in fiscal 2007.
Nagle added that given the high costs of enhancing facility security at ports, AAPA will continue to advocate for a $400 million appropriation in fiscal 2008.
