"The vulnerability of our nation's ports is of great concern to me," said Senator Collins. "I have been supportive of comprehensive Port Security legislation from the very beginning, because I believe we must improve coordination among federal, state, and local organizations and the private sector. We must also do a better job supporting our port directors and other local and state officials responsible for securing our sea ports. The bill is a step in the right direction."
The legislation includes a section authorizing the U.S. Coast Guard to convey 4.13 acres of land, including a pier and bulkhead, known as the Naval Reserve Pier property, to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation. This conveyance will allow the Gulf of Maine Development corporation to rebuild the bulkhead section of the pier to accommodate Coast Guard and fishing vessels. The conveyance also will allow the Gulf of Maine Aquarium to further expand its facilities with the construction of a research lab and aquarium.
Senator Collins previously secured $2 million in the Senate committee-passed Fiscal Year 2003 Department of Veterans' Affairs, Office of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for construction for the Gulf of Maine lab. She also secured $200,000 in the fiscal year 2003 Transportation Appropriations bill for parking and pedestrian improvements at the Gulf of Maine Research Laboratory site. These bills are expected to be taken up by the House and Senate in January.
The Gulf of Maine Aquarium (GMA) is currently engaged in a two-phase process to develop a center for marine coldwater research and education. This process includes the construction of a Research Lab, which will provide an essential research capability to inform the state and federal fishery management process that governs Maine''s 30,000 member fishing industry. In addition to providing employment for approximately 95 marine scientists and technicians, the Research Lab will employ 99 staff internally and stimulate creation of an additional 225 jobs internally.
"I am particularly invested in the provisions in this legislation to grant assistance to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium," said Senator Collins. "I have worked hard to secure funding for this exciting project, as I feel it will be an invaluable educational and conservation tool for the entire State of Maine."
The legislation also includes language that prevents the Coast Guard from decommissioning any WYTL-class harbor tugs unless the Coast Guard certifies that sufficient replacement capability has been procured to remediate any degradation in current icebreaking services. This provision is especially important for the Port of Portland, which currently employs three such vessels.