Sacramento - Assemblymember Betty Karnette's (D-Long Beach) legislation to improve the port security system in California was approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee late yesterday. Assembly Bill 1406, which establishes a modest annual fee for security of cargo containers handled by California ports and harbors, was approved by members of the Transportation Committee by a vote of 7 - 5.

"Assembly Bill 1406 is moving forward and that means California is making progress towards improving port security in the State. California simply cannot wait for the federal government to step up to the plate and make an honest commitment to improving port security," stated Karnette. "Port security is an ongoing problem that demands the attention of federal and state authorities. I am grateful my colleagues supported AB 1406 to provide a revenue stream for additional port security funds," said Karnette.

Port security is of growing to concern to all involved in the maritime industry. The federal Department of Homeland Security readily acknowledges that serious funding deficiencies exist to adequately protect the nation's ports. It is estimated that the economy would lose between one and two billion dollars per day if the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles were forced to close, yet direct funding to the nation's ports with the greatest security needs remains minimal.

Specifically, AB 1406 requires the state Office of Homeland Security to assess, collect and administer a fee of $10 per cargo container for port security purposes. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that national port security will cost $5.4 billion over the next 10 years. The American Association of Port Authorities has been seeking an additional $400 million in federal annual port security grants.

"Port security is one of the most critical issues facing the citizens, trade industry workers and businesses of California. As the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports, I will not stand by and wait for the federal government to act. My objective is to provide adequate funding to secure the ports of California and I will work with industry, port workers and security experts to determine the most efficient and effective course of action," Karnette said.

Assembly Bill 1406 will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. A hearing date has not been scheduled.