Port Security

The Challenge

We've Got Efficiency. Now We Need Efficiency AND Security

For decades, we've built our port infrastructure and

Senator Murray and members of the U.S. Coast Guard commission the USCG Cutter Wahoo in Port Angeles, WA. (More Port Security Photos)

procedures around economic efficiency. That's helped make the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma the third-busiest container load center in the nation.

But since September 11th, we now need to realign our port system around efficiency and security.

What's in the Containers?

Six million containers enter our nation's seaports each year. Unfortunately, we don't know enough about what's in them.

Port Security Challenges in Puget Sound

• The Ports of Tacoma and Seattle form the third largest load center for containerized cargo in the United States.
  
• A land and sea border with Canada.
  
• Critical defense installations on our waterfront.
  
• The largest passenger ferry system in the country.
  
• We must balance these security needs with the continuing need to keep cargo moving efficiently.

Port Security Means Economic Security

Ports and international trade are critical to Washington's economy. Washington state is the most trade dependent state in the nation. 1.8 million containers pass through our region each year, supporting good paying jobs for thousands of Puget Sound families.

One-fifth of our national economy: The United States receives some $750 billion worth of cargo at 360 seaports every year.

A terrorist attack on ports or cargo would have a major economic impact on tens of thousands of working families in the Puget Sound and beyond.

Full story

Recent News Releases

10/13/2006
President Signs Murray's Port Security Bill into Law

10/13/2006
PHOTO: Murray's Port Security Bill Becomes Law

10/13/2006
Port Security: Murray Urges White House to Fund New Port Security Law in It’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2008

9/29/2006
Murray Announces Approval of Homeland Security Funds for Washington State Security Needs

9/29/2006
Murray's Port Security Bill Goes to the President

More

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