Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Federal government provides cash for increased security at Fairview Container Port


The issue of security at Prince Rupert’s new container facility received a cash advance today as the Federal Government said it will provide up to 1.8 million dollars to improve the security features of the new port.

The funds are earmarked for such things as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment and training.

The Daily News provided details of today’s announcement on the front page of the Monday paper.

FEDS FIND CASH TO BEEF UP CONTAINER PORT’S SECURITY
$1.8m will help to keep port and the gateway to Asia secure: Minister
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, May 14, 2007
Pages one and three


The federal government has given the Port of Prince Rupert access to $1.8 million in funding for security improvements at local port facilities.

The funding comes under the federal Marine Security Contribution Program and is part of a $6.9 million package distributed among 11 ports and marine transportation facilities announced late last week.

“This announcement will help ensure that our national transportation system continues to be one of the most secure in the world,” said Minister of Agriculture, Chuck Strahl. “Security is a crucial element of our Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, making British Columbia the natural link between Asian and North American markets.”

The funds will be used for security enhancements such as surveillance equipment, dockside and perimeter security, command, control and communications equipment, and training.

“Ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is a priority for Canada’s New Government,” said the Minister of Transportation Lawrence Cannon.

“Today’s finding will enable ports and domestic ferry services to make necessary improvements to the security of their operations, which will ultimately help ensure Canada’s transportation system remains secure and efficient.”

While the Prince Rupert Port Authority will receive up to $1,859,086 to cost share security projects, the Fraser Port Authority will receive up to $13,320; British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. will receive $3.2 million for its two Lower Mainland terminals and the Vancouver Port Authority will receive up to $741,625.

In compliance with international security requirements mandated by the International Maritime Organization’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the government implemented the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, which required ports and marine facilities to have approved security plans I place,

The program was recently expanded to allow for the participation of domestic ferry services and vessels, recognizing the high volume of passengers carried by domestic ferries every year and the unique security challenges they face as a result of their expensive, open systems.

“This funding is testimony to our new government’s commitment to beef up marine security,” said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. “We are taking concrete actions to make our borders smart and secure, which is critical to the safety of our communities.”

“Today’s announcement will help ensure that our national transportation system continues to be one of the most secure in the world,’ said Minister Strahl. “Security is a crucial element of our Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, making British Columbia the natural link between Asian and North American markets,”

Projects eligible of funding include installation of surveillance equipment, including cameras and close-circuit TV systems; improvements to dockside and perimeter security and access control, such as fencing, gates, signage and lighting; acquisition of command, control and communications equipment, such as portable and vessel-to-shore radios; training; and security design studies.

No comments: