“The Port Security Council is pursuing one of the country’s most important homeland security objectives—adequate and timely funding for an industry that accounts for fully a quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” Grant said.

“America’s 300-plus seaports and inland waterways are a priority target for al Qaeda and other terrorists who consider our wrecking havoc on our homeland as the unfinished business of 9/11,” Grant added.

Grant pointed out that the costs of port security requirements, including those mandated by federal laws recently passed by Congress, were estimated by the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports to be as high as $16 billion over the next 20 years.

“Only a sustained effort by maritime stakeholders—port users, consumers and the providers of vital security technologies and services—in support of the publicly-owned and operated ports can offer the kind of assistance needed to ensure that these receive sufficient federal funds,” he said.

Grant noted that the membership of the Port Security Council, which was established in May 2004, already includes public ports, American flagged ocean shipping, cruise lines, and importers/exporters—all of whom have a common interest in promoting improved and increased port security.

“We are urging others to help us speak with one voice in the political and public affairs arena,” Grant said. “An effective government and public affairs campaign comes with a significant price tag, one that the ports cannot bear alone.”

Grant said that the Port Security Council’s short-term goal is to collect more than $1 million to support those efforts during the fiscal ’06 appropriations period.

If you are interested in more information about the Port Security Council, or want to join now, please call (202) 595-9111, ext. 223, or e-mail: info@portsecuritycouncil.us.