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WYDEN, SMITH ANNOUNCE $1.6
MILLION FOR PORT SECURITY Regional Maritime
Security Coalition of Portland will receive funds for research
and development to enhance security
July 16, 2004
Washington, DC – U.S.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced
that the Regional Maritime Security Coalition (RMSC) of Portland
will receive $1.62 million for the research and development of
port security enhancements in the Northwest. These federal funds
are being provided by the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) for the development of a model multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency
Cargo Information Action Center (CIAC) for 22 ports in the Columbia-Snake
River System, stretching from the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Ore.,
to Lewiston, Idaho. This grant will improve communications and
coordination throughout the tri-state region, employing the Regional
Alliance for Infrastructure and Security Network (RAINS-NET).
“Maintaining security
at Oregon’s ports is critical for the safety of the surrounding
communities and to continue the efficient flow of commerce that
supports so many family-wage jobs in our region,” said Wyden.
“I’m pleased to see federal funds going to support
a win-win effort that will protect our ports from the threat of
terrorism while improving regional communication and coordination
of cargo shipments.”
“Ports are an essential
part of Oregon’s economy,” said Smith. “Their
security needs to be ensured in order to protect the flow of commerce
that Oregon’s businesses and farmers depend on for their
livelihood.”
In 2002, Wyden and Smith heard
from port security officials at a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee
on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine in Portland. Representatives
from the Coast Guard, Customs Service, Army Corps of Engineers,
Oregon's major ports, the longshoremen's union and retailers testified
about the need for increased federal funding for port security.
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