Another one of those days... filed a story at 5 p.m., and another at 10 p.m.

Stupid Supreme Court nominees.

I'm not sure what to think of Mr. Roberts as of yet, but I think he might hate journalists. We shall see, but don't leave it up to me to uncover it. I'll leave the heavy analysis to the Times.

Instead, I'm writing about exciting things, like port security (snore). This little sissy (below) landed on the front page, a bit below the fold last week. I hope you enjoy.

Also, El Matador (a.k.a. Rafael Cores Alejandro Sanchez Vicario Matos), took some pictures in the newsroom today.

If you didn't know me (which you might not), you'd think I was just another video game addict. Instead, I'm writing... or really, really trying to. (That one is for you, BSWAN.)

So, without any further stalling, here's what you, my readers, ask for:

Senate bill will give more money toward port security
Federal grants will help Savannah, Charleston


BY Frosty,
Special to The Packet
Published Friday, July 15th, 2005

WASHINGTON -- A provision in the $31.8 billion Homeland Security spending bill passed by the Senate on Thursday calls for a $200 million grant for beefing up security at the nation's ports, a $50 million increase over last year.

The legislation may bring relief to neighboring ports in Savannah and Charleston, where security expenditures have increased significantly in the last four years.

It's unclear how much Savannah stands to receive in the dispersal, but its governing body -- the Georgia Ports Authority -- has received a total of $4.9 million in federal grant money in the previous four rounds of security requests. The money has helped Savannah add additional port police officers, install a security-access pass program and increase perimeter lighting, fencing and surveillance.

"We're waiting with great anticipation and hoping we'll fare well in efforts to raise more money for port security," said Robert Morris, spokesman for the Georgia Ports Authority. "The previous money has allowed us to greatly increase our security, and we're always looking for more."

Along with the Coast Guard and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, the authority is in charge of security for the state's two major ports. The single-terminal container facility in Savannah is the largest of its kind on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and ships millions of tons of cargo annually.

The S.C. State Ports Authority, which has received a total of $7.5 million in federal grant money, has seen security expenditures more than double during the last four years. It just earmarked $21.8 million for security enhancements over the next two years.

Byron Miller, spokesman for the State Ports Authority, said updating port facilities to conform to the Maritime Traffic Safety Act of 2002 is expected to cost more than $30 million. The authority is excluded from receiving state funding, so it has had to provide most of the money through port-generated revenues. The $7.5 million covers a small percentage of the expenses.

"We're hopeful that we'll receive some favorable consideration," Miller said. "Our facilities are secure, but we've still got a long way to go to improve, and any additional federal money is welcomed."

The Coast Guard will receive $7.8 billion via the Homeland Security bill compared with $7.4 billion last year, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency will receive $3.8 billion versus $3.5 billion in 2005.

To be considered to receive part of the $200 million grant, port authorities must submit a detailed application that describes and assigns dollar amounts to each project, which must be deemed necessary for security by a Homeland Security Department-appointed board. An authority can use the money only on projects designated in the grant.

"The main concern here is that we're diverting scant resources away from our core mission to provide for federally mandated capital requirements," Miller said of the South Carolina authority. "If we continue to divert funds away from port expansion and maintenance, we're not going to be able to meet the needs of increased container traffic, potentially hurting economic development."

While South Carolina's ports are expected to receive a boost from the legislation, the state Homeland Security allocation is expected to decrease this year, according to Robert Stewart, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division chief and state Homeland Security Department representative.

The State Ports Authority doesn't receive any of the Homeland Security money allocated to South Carolina. But Stewart said that may change because of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff's renewed focus on areas of risk and vulnerability.

"(The grant money) is going to be more risk-focused toward specific sites with vulnerabilities, which could include ports," Stewart said.

The Senate bill comes in at $50 million more than the House-passed version, so the provision would have to survive House-Senate negotiations to determine the final grant amount.

Frosty writes for Medill News Service in Washington.


Here's the photo. It looks like Scooter and I are in a bit of a deadline-dreading tizzy. At least we're painfully tanned... and in my case, very bald. Oh, and how about those sweet headphones? Welcome back to '88 my friends. Don't think I didn't have some RUN-DMC playing... or maybe even COLOUR ME BADD.



Yeah, BSWAN -- Monkeys on typewriters with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths and telephones ringing off the hook...

Ah, the life of a reporter...