Testimony on implementation of the Maritime Trans. Security

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Testimony of Jean Godwin
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
American Association of Port Authorities
Before the
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
MAY 17, 2005

Key to enhancing physical security of ports is the Port Security Grant program. It was established after 9/11 through the Appropriations process and provides much-needed help to port facilities to harden security to protect these vital ports of entry from acts of terrorism. The program has been authorized in several bills – MTSA and Coast Guard reauthorization – although the program, as implemented, is a bit different from the current authorization bills.

Since its inception, the program has provided $565 million in grants for 1,200 projects, with Congress providing an additional $150 million in FY’05. Overall, only one-sixth of all projects have been funded. With 95% of our overseas trade flowing through our ports, all states and all citizens would be impacted by a shutdown of our seaports. Agriculture as well as oil are two commodities that are heavily dependent on ports to ensure these products get to market. Imagine the impact of a shutdown of the ports in South Louisiana that handle much of the oil imports and grain exports for this nation. The level of funding and policy decisions from DHS have made this program less effective than it could be. The need is great, and in the last round, especially, DHS gave small amounts to numerous projects. Some ports had to wait to finish projects because they did not have the necessary funds to fully complete the project. The Port of New Orleans, for example, got partial funding for four gates rather than full funding for one. The MTSA states that the funds will be distributed in a fair and equitable way. However, DHS is also trying to balance risks and protect critical national seaports (as noted in the Appropriations bill). DHS faced a dilemma – if it funds only the top risks, it leave a soft underbelly of smaller ports. If it gives a little to everyone, little gets done. The problem seems to be one of historic underfunding. We must have funds to do both – provide the needed resources for big and small ports alike.

http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id=1504&wit_id=3998