U.S. Mayor Article | Port Security Recommendations Identified in the Conference’s 2005 National Action Plan on Safety and Security in America’s Cities (March 6, 2006)

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Port Security Recommendations Identified in the Conference’s 2005 National Action Plan on Safety and Security in America’s Cities

March 6, 2006

Congress and the Administration should provide full and flexible funding for port security needs including:

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection and Prevention Systems;
Video Surveillance and Threat Detection Cameras;
Fiber Optic Communications Connectivity;
Access control communications;
Command and control facilities; and
Personnel and detection dogs for screening and checking cargo and passengers.

Congress and the Administration should provide a federal funding mechanism to sustain the significant annual operating costs for the reoccurring maintenance of the new security systems and security personnel salaries that have not yet been identified.

Congress and the Administration should direct the Department of Homeland Security to issue Letters of Intent for multi-year funding to ports with plans to carry out long-term security improvements.