Page 54: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Jan/Feb 2019)

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Port Security

STATE of frEIghT IV:

Securing & Enhancing

America’s Ports and Supply Chain

CREDIT: Port of Savannah

The American Association of Port Authorities and its membership look ahead at the challenges and opportunities facing the Port Security Grant Program.

n its annual “State of Freight” series, AAPA has high- cy or other evolving security threats. In total, a sustained in- lighted the transportation infrastructure needs of U.S. vestment of $3.89 billion ($4 billion) will be needed between ports, state transportation agencies and multimodal proj- 2019 and 2028. About 95% percent of AAPA’s U.S. corporate

I ects. In this fnal report in the State of Freight series, members responded directly to this survey.

AAPA turns to the vital role that security infrastructure plays

New Threats, Evolving Security Approaches in moving goods.

In 2002, Congress created the Port Security Grant Program Since 9/11, the U.S. population has increased by 15 percent (PSGP) as part of the direct response to the tragic terrorist with a pronounced shift to metropolitan areas where residents attacks of 9/11. According to the Federal Emergency Manage- live in densely populated urban areas, including near port au- ment Agency (FEMA), the PSGP has funded 8,096 projects thority facilities that support both freight and passenger activ- and invested more than $2.78 billion in America’s ports in the ity. Between 2001 and 2017, container volumes increased by past 16 years. More than a decade and a half since the PSGP 71 percent, total foreign trade in short tons increased by 37 began, it remains a top priority for the American Association percent, and passenger traffc at U.S. cruise ports increased of Port Authorities (AAPA). by 98 percent. The majority of AAPA member ports say that

Signifcantly, AAPA members reported they will need an- their security costs increase proportionally to the growth in other $2.62 billion to maintain and at times upgrade their se- their ports’ freight or cruise volumes. And, yet, currently, the curity apparatus over the next 10 years. AAPA members also federal government invests just $100 million annually in the identifed $1.27 billion in future security investments to ad- PSGP to protect one quarter of the nation’s Gross Domestic dress cybersecurity, active shooter, drone mitigation, resilien- Product that moves through America’s ports. 54 Maritime Logistics Professional January/February 2019 | |