AAPA fears some TWIC rules will impact port efficiency

July 10, 2006
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) fears the efficiency of port facility operations will be impacted by some aspects of proposed Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) rules, according to an AAPA news release.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) fears the efficiency of port facility operations will be impacted by some aspects of proposed Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) rules, according to an AAPA news release.

“Ports handle 99 percent of America’s overseas cargo volumes, and a slowdown in efficiency during a time of unprecedented trade growth would be disastrous for the country,” Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and chief executive officer said. “Without careful evaluation and consideration of these issues, TWIC could cause significant congestion and bottlenecks at ports, in addition to imposing substantial costs in some areas with little measurable decrease in risk.”

While urging the Transportation Security Administration to quickly implement regulations to issue TWIC cards, AAPA wants to ensure the TWIC system is implemented carefully so it doesn’t negatively impact cargo movement through ports. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 39 percent of the more than $1 billion cost of implementing TWIC will fall on port facilities. AAPA is urging Congress to appropriate $400 million a year for port facility security though the federal Port Security Grant program to help ensure the security of America’s seaport borders and assist the country’s ports in paying for TWIC implementation.