AAPA held separate meetings with the Corps of Engineers' Chief of Engineers Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp, and Claudia Tornblom, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Management and Budget.  Topics of discussion included concerns over slowdown in the project review process, the Administration's budget priorities, dredging and environmental benefits, the Corps and climate change, and technical assistance to Latin American and Caribbean Ports.

AAPA Director of Navigation Policy & Legislation David Sanford, Commanding General - Chief of Engineers Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp, AAPA Chairman and Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Dr. Geraldine Knatz, AAPA President & CEO Kurt Nagle, AAPA Vice President Government Relations Susan Monteverde

Chairman Knatz's meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard focused on the Port Security Grant program, specifically, the need for a cost-share waiver process, broader operation and maintenance policy, a funding level of $400 million, an increase in the construction limit, and concerns over the slow distribution of funds.  Also discussed was small vessel risk.  Coast Guard reported that FEMA is drafting an informational bulletin on the cost-share waiver process, but it has not been sent to the Secretary.  However, it was reported that some ports may have received waivers, so ports who are seeking waivers for FY '07-09 grants may want to submit a written request to DHS.  As noted in the Alert, (May 8, 2009) DHS is more likely to approve a waiver if it focuses on a specific part of the grant rather than a blanket waiver request.  The waiver request should also be accompanied by a letter of concurrence from the Area Maritime Security Committee (for Group I and II) and the local Captain-of-the-Port.

Director of Prevention Policy Admiral Kevin Cook, Assistant Commandant, Marine Safety, Security & Stewardship Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, AAPA President & CEO Kurt Nagle, AAPA Chairman and Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Dr. Geraldine Knatz, AAPA Vice President Government Relations Susan Monteverde

The Coast Guard also relayed its concern over crew access to shore and asked for AAPA's help in highlighting the importance of facilitating reasonable access.  Some facilities either prohibit crew access or are charging high escort fees.  This is being seen as an international treaty violation by some, and U.S. Coast Guard is being criticized for not helping more to facilitate access.  Chairman Knatz agreed to help highlight this problem with the membership.

The day also included a meeting with staff of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which is taking a stronger role in coordinating federal environmental policy and taking the lead in redrafting the Principles and Guidelines for Water Projects, including Corps dredging projects.  CEQ will hold a webinar for comments on the old Principles and Guidelines in June or July, with a goal of issuing a new draft for comments in the Fall.  AAPA expressed interest in being included in this and other projects of CEQ related to the ocean policy, coastal zone management, global climate change, and other projects directly affecting ports.  CEQ agreed to reach out to AAPA on these issues.

AAPA also arranged for Dr. Knatz to speak at a Senate staff briefing on freight issues sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (more below) to highlight the importance of a strong freight focus in the next highway bill.

Staff Contact:  Susan Monteverde (smonteverde@aapa-ports.org)