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‘Road map’ to national port security upgrades
01 Jan 2007
A US task force has recommended a number of security enhancements for the 361 US seaports.
The task force, established by New York and New Jersey Port Authority chairman Anthony R.Coscia highlighted the need for mandatory cargo security standards, the appointment of a national official in charge of port security issues, and a port user fee to help offset escalating port security expenses, among other things.
The recommendations also include monitoring every cargo shipment at all ports,establishing response and recovery plans regionally and regularly testing their effectiveness, and implementing a comprehensive risk-management plan.
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine said: “Since 9/11, the federal government has devoted extensive resources to better secure our airports and rail systems. However,our seaport – the busiest on the East Coast – has received far less attention even though it may be a more vulnerable terrorist target.
The recommendations of this task force should serve as a road map for our national leaders to help make port security a greater priority and to devote the appropriate attention and resources to it.”
The task force was established post September 11 to generate public discussion of port and cargo security matters and provide recommendations that address current gaps in port and supply-chain security.
