U.S. PORTS URGE CONGRESS TO INCREASE SECURITY FUNDING

U.S. PORTS URGE CONGRESS TO INCREASE SECURITY FUNDING    U.S. public port authorities have urged the U.S. Congress to appropriate additional funds for maritime security for fiscal year 2003.
   The port authorities are discussing the issues of federal legislation and funding for maritime security during the American Association of Port Authorities’ annual convention held this week in Palm Beach, Fla.
   The U.S. House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee earlier this week approved $150 million for port security grants in fiscal year 2003. The full appropriations committee is scheduled to take action today (Thursday).
   Earlier this year, the Senate approved $100 million to continue the port security grant program in fiscal year 2003.
   The Bush Administration recently agreed to reprogram additional funding of $125 million in port security grants for fiscal year 2002. Ports will be able to apply for the grants in November.
   John A. Flaherty, chief of staff of the Department of Transportation, told the American Association of Port Authorities conference that ports must continue to address security threats while preparing for reauthorization of the Transportation Efficiency Act (TEA 21) next year.
   U.S. ports lauded the Bush Administration and Congress for recognizing the importance of ports and for providing initial grant funding, a spokesman for the American Association of Port Authorities’ said.