For Immediate Release
September 29, 2003

Oakland, Calif. (September 29, 2003) - Today, the Port of Oakland is responding to a nationwide seaport security survey as part of Port Security Day, September 29, 2003. The Bay Area Congressional Delegation asked the Port for its participation as part of its effort to highlight the necessity for additional seaport security federal funding at the Port of Oakland, the fourth largest container port in the U.S., and at ports across the country.

Port of Oakland Executive Director Tay Yoshitani said, "Seaports like Oakland, which sustain high volumes of trade, need federal help to make the necessary security improvements to safeguard employees, the surrounding communities and the nation's economy."

Members of the Bay Area Congressional delegation have asked the Port of Oakland to commemorate Port Security Day by helping them to clearly illustrate the region's maritime security needs and participate in the nationwide survey.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee stated, "Every day that we delay in providing much-needed funding for port security is another day that terrorists may take advantage of vulnerabilities in our security system."

"We are glad that our Congressional delegation is taking the lead in continuing to educate their colleagues and the public about the overwhelming urgent need for increased port security funding," said Executive Director Yoshitani.

Port Security Day was created to raise public awareness of seaport security issues. Despite the passage of the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the release of the U.S. Coast Guard's security regulations earlier this year, more federal funding is needed to assist ports in making security enhancements. According to the Coast Guard, port facilities will need $5.4 billion over ten years for this purpose.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Director of Communications
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com