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| Fully funding the Port Security Grant Program is crucial for prevention of terrorism |
The House and Senate have passed differing versions of the Homeland Security Department appropriations bill, which includes funding for the Port Security Grant Program, and lawmakers are crafting a compromise bill. In a Sept. 14 letter, association CEO Richard Chace urged Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Mich., to support a program funding level of at least $400 million.
"We believe the program provides essential assistance to protecting port infrastructure as these facilities face difficult local economic conditions and the constant threat of terrorist attack," Chace wrote. "SIA shares the views of your colleagues who, in a May 26, 2009, letter to House Appropriations Committee leaders, stated that funding this critical program at a level less than the $400 million authorised by the SAFE Port Act ‘will reduce our nation's effectiveness in meeting our homeland security objectives.'"
Chace also asked that localities not be required to provide matching funds in order to receive the grants.
"The downturn in the economy presents unique challenges for ports across the country," he wrote. "While many ports wish to invest further in physical security infrastructure, some security projects may be delayed or canceled if a cost-share requirement is imposed as a condition of FY2010 grant funds."
