Department of Transportation chief of staff Joe Flaherty told port representatives they have a historic opportunity to influence of the Transportation Efficiency Act next year as the current legislation expired in September. Flaherty said maritime needs will be a central feature of reauthorization, and port involvement will be critical.

Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Transportation Committee in late September approved $150 million for port security grants for ficscal 2003 appropriations. Earlier this year the Senate approved $100 million to continue the port security grant program and the administration recently agreed to reprogram an additional $125 million in port security grants for 2002.

Ports will be able to begin applying for grants this month.