Lafayette, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. today hailed President Bush’s signing of The Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act Conference Report (H.R. 4954), legislation designed to tighten security at our nation’s ports, increase cargo security, and defend our nation from nuclear threats. 

 

“The continued growth of the Port of Lake Charles is dependent on ensuring that cargo going in and out is safe from terrorist attack,” said Boustany.  “In addition to strengthening our national and homeland security, this bill further protects infrastructure that is so critical to our economy in Southwest Louisiana.”

 

In September, Boustany announced port security funding in the amount of $2,716,908 for the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District.  The funding, awarded from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was provided through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). 

 

Important provisions in The Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act Conference Report:

 

• Authorizes a Port Security Grant Program at $400 million per year to harden U.S. ports against terrorist attacks and enhance capabilities to respond to attacks

• Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that 98 percent of all inbound cargo containers are scanned for radiation by deploying radiation detection equipment and establishing procedures for examining containers

• Requires DHS to conduct terrorist watch-list checks of all port truck drivers with access to secure areas

• Requires DHS to establish joint operations centers at seaports to bring together federal, state, local, and private sector partners to coordinate security measures at the ports and unify response efforts

• Improves the Automated Targeting System (ATS), which is designed to identify high risk containers before they reach American soil

 

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