Governor announces federal grant to upgrade port security [Jeb keeps FL's seaports safe] (AP)

"I applaud President Bush and Secretary Mineta for their timely
support," Governor Bush said. "Florida's seaports play an important role
in the state's economy and are a major component of our domestic
security. A vast quantity of people and cargo pass through our seaports
everyday and with this grant money we can continue to keep Florida's
seaports safe."

Governor announces federal grant to upgrade port security

Tuesday, June 18, 2002

Associated Press

TAMPA - The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving Florida $19.7 million to upgrade security at the state's 19 deep-water ports, Gov. Jeb Bush said Monday.

The grant will be used to secure what Florida law enforcement experts consider the state's most vulnerable point for terrorists attacks, the governor said.

The grant is part of $92.3 million from the federal agency being spent nationwide on port security.

Bush said the money will be used to improve fence, lighting and gates and install automated access systems and video surveillance

Bush said by improving port security in general, it also will help the state's battle against illegal drug trafficking.

Also, from www.myflorida.com:

Governor Bush Applauds $19.7 Million Grant For Florida's Seaport Security

~~Florida, Largest Single State Recipient of Federal Funds~~

For Immediate Release
Monday, June 17, 2002

Contact:
Elizabeth Hirst
(850) 488-5394 or

TAMPA Governor Jeb Bush today announced that Florida is being awarded a $19.7 million grant from the Department of Transportation to enhance Florida's seaport security. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Port of Tampa. The grant will accelerate the installation of enhanced security measures for passengers and cargo that pass through Florida's seaports.

"I applaud President Bush and Secretary Mineta for their timely support," Governor Bush said. "Florida's seaports play an important role in the state's economy and are a major component of our domestic security. A vast quantity of people and cargo pass through our seaports everyday and with this grant money we can continue to keep Florida's seaports safe."

On February 28, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta announced the implementation of a new Port Security Grants Program to finance security enhancements at critical national seaports. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2002 appropriated $92.3 million to the newly established Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA was directed to use the money to award competitive grants to critical national seaports to finance the cost of enhancing facility and operational security. More than 21 percent of the original $92.3 million has been awarded to Florida.

The following Florida seaports will receive funding: Everglades, Jacksonville, Miami-Dade, Tampa, Key West and Canaveral. The money will be used to make enhancements to physical access control, security automation and video surveillance at the ports.

Prior to September 11, the State of Florida had formulated and implemented an assessment program working with the industry to identify port vulnerabilities, address those vulnerabilities and work with the ports as well as federal and local agencies to maintain security levels throughout the state. As a result the Department of Transportation chose to recognize the importance of Florida's seaports and the gains that have already been made toward enhancing their security.

In addition to the seaport security assessment program already implemented in Florida, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has offered to partner with the U.S. Coast Guard in developing a nationwide port vulnerability assessment program. The goal of the Coast Guard's Port Vulnerability Assessment Program will be to determine the vulnerabilities of the Marine Transportation System with respect to intentional acts, accidents and natural disasters throughout the United States. Assessments will be conducted by teams of individuals with specialized knowledge in areas such as terrorism, structural engineering, communications, security and emergency operations to name a few.

Governor Bush was joined at today's announcement by Steve Lauer, FDLE-Florida Domestic Security Chief, Hillsborough Co. Sheriff Cal Henderson, FDLE Regional Director Jim Sewell, and George Williamson Tampa Port Director.

Ahoy, Matey! Perhaps Jeb can recruit our Florida boaters, many here in SW Florida would volunteer some time for the cause, imho. I welcome any offers of "oceanside penthouse with a telescope" sitting. I couldn't pull off the Clouseau Pegleg disguise (hanging around the docks looking for suspicious activity).

Speaking of spying, when is someone going to invent a simple handheld translator that can handle Arabic dialects? Four Pakistani students took the Greyhound from Ft. Myers to Orlando last week...and no one checked the bags. Worse yet, according to my source, the other passengers didn't act concerned. Hmmmm. Perhaps all American citizens should be required to attend boot camp and Constitution 101. (^:

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