Houston port seeks approval for US$5m in security funding
Port Commissioners at the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) are considering whether to award a total of nearly US$5 million in funding to improve security at the US port.
Part of the funding requested includes payment of up to $100,000 for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrolment fees. This would comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).
The TWIC is intended to serve as the common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels. It would also be required for all mariners holding Coast Guard issued credentials or qualification documents. Workers would be issued with a tamper-resistant smart card containing their fingerprint.
The requested funds would also be used to pay for the construction of the $2.3 million Cargo Bay Road Gate; access control at the Executive Office Building, Port Coordination Centre, Barbours Cut Administration Building and to the Woodhouse Terminal as well as CCTV for the area and card readers at various port locations.
The commission is also being asked to authorise $2.43 million for an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction of the Secured Truck Entrance at Cargo Bay Road. Funds are furthermore being sought for improvements to the gate road and access road to lease yards.
Part of the funding requested includes payment of up to $100,000 for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrolment fees. This would comply with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA).
The TWIC is intended to serve as the common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels. It would also be required for all mariners holding Coast Guard issued credentials or qualification documents. Workers would be issued with a tamper-resistant smart card containing their fingerprint.
The requested funds would also be used to pay for the construction of the $2.3 million Cargo Bay Road Gate; access control at the Executive Office Building, Port Coordination Centre, Barbours Cut Administration Building and to the Woodhouse Terminal as well as CCTV for the area and card readers at various port locations.
The commission is also being asked to authorise $2.43 million for an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction of the Secured Truck Entrance at Cargo Bay Road. Funds are furthermore being sought for improvements to the gate road and access road to lease yards.