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 News Massport CEO State House Testimony on Security September 8, 2003 Testimony of Massport CEO Craig P. Coy Before the Senate Committee On Post Audit And Oversight Hearing on Homeland Security September 8, 2003 Mr. Chairmen and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify this afternoon about the important issue of security for our vital transportation interests. The Massachusetts Port Authority has taken, and will continue to take, a leadership role in the development of transportation security solutions. Our public safety vision is now recognized as a model for infrastructure and for protecting aviation and maritime assets. In the days and months following the attacks of 9/11, Massport brought in national and international security experts, including a team from Israel, to work with the authority in developing a program that would go above and beyond the security provided and required by the federal government. Since then, Massport has worked tirelessly to implement strategies, policies, and programs suggested by our experts. And Massport continues to explore new technologies and ideas in order to maintain our status as a security innovator. In addition to security improvements specific to Massport facilities, the nation has seen the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. While both are still works-in-progress, they have yielded new sets of security rules for both aviation and maritime operations. In less than two years the TSA has already reinforced cockpit doors, armed and trained pilots, and federalized the entire workforce at airport security checkpoints and bag screening rooms. The sum total of this has been an unprecedented focus on the safety and security of the traveling public and on emergency procedures. Money alone is not the standard by which we judge security improvements. Nevertheless, it is revealing to note that in the two years since 9/11, the Massport Board of Directors has authorized $223 million for security upgrades and increased operations. The TSA, our partner in the security effort, has spent an additional $51 million at Logan Airport on equipment for passenger and baggage screening. Also, we have identified another $55 million worth of potential security upgrades over the next several years to meet the challenges of the ongoing war on terrorism. With a total annual operating budget of $258 million, paying for all of this has been a challenge that has required drastic fiscal constraint and attention to priorities. SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS: PEOPLE AND COMMUNICATION While new technologies and capital construction projects grab the headlines, good security starts with people, communication, and organization. Seven days a week at Logan Airport, we hold a security meeting attended by:
There are also a host of other meetings and security forums that take place on a routine basis for the purpose of reviewing and determining priorities for action. These include bi-weekly meetings for aviation, maritime and bridge security, and a quarterly meeting with a panel of outside experts to review new technologies. We also communicate with external organizations, locally and nationally, including routine e-mail and telephone correspondence with the other major airports around the country. Aggressive outreach to local and national first responders and security professionals has been a long-time characteristic of Massport. We encourage as much contact among our security leaders and rank and file as is operationally possible because only as a team can we win the war on terrorism. One of the highlights of this effort is the state's anti-terrorism task force, composed of federal, state and local law enforcement and security professionals. Through this task force we routinely have contact with:
Much was learned, many relationships were reinforced, and action items were identified. The exercise highlighted how important it is for local communities and agencies to work together. One outcome of this has been our effort to procure a communications workstation to ensure that we can link all types of cell phones, radios, and pagers into a single crisis communications network. We have also committed to participate in at least one major crisis exercise a year. This year we are joining the city of Seattle in a national cyber-security exercise. In a crisis, professionals rely on their training. That is why we have invested in highly trained people with the specialties we need. Logan is one of only three airports in the nation with an on-site, bomb and weapons of mass destruction response team consisting of State Police and Massport Fire and Rescue personnel. Since 9/11, we have added 61 State Troopers to Troop F. Massport has also formed a first-in-the-nation anti-terrorism unit consisting of specially trained and equipped officers. Because our employees are on the frontlines in this war on terrorism, we are creating a formal, ongoing training program on how to deal with individuals with criminal intent or those in the possession of weapons or explosives. Many of these employees have already received expert training in spotting and reporting suspicious activity. In August, we began training employees on the operation of Massport's recently-purchased 68 defibrillators. Soon, that program will be expanded to include airline and airport tenant employees. SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS: INNOVATION Massport's investment in partnerships, practice, and training is matched by our commitment to innovation. Logan became the first major U.S. airport to design and build an in-line 100% baggage screening system. Over a period of six months, more than 700 workers installed nearly 3 miles of bag belts, built 85,000 square feet of new bag rooms, renovated 55,000 square feet of existing bag rooms, and constructed 8 new power substations. Our State Police behavior pattern recognition methods have gained national attention and have been welcomed by Logan Airport passengers who find comfort in the proactive and professional approach. By focusing on -- and looking for -- potential bad guys, we do not bother the majority of the 60,000 people a day who use Logan. By next year, State Police troopers on foot patrol will use handheld wireless computers enabling them to conduct criminal history and license plate checks via a secure wireless network. Eventually, these computers will provide troopers with a visual image of intruders detected by security cameras. A newly constructed vehicle access gate at Logan is the first of its kind at a commercial airport and provides a crash-resistant barrier to unauthorized trucks or cars. Thanks to you and your colleagues in the State Legislature we now have two new laws on the books that have dramatically improved our security posture. First, is legislation establishing a protective zone around Logan's waterside perimeter. And second, is legislation making it illegal to bring hoax devices through the TSA airport security checkpoints. To demarcate the new security zone, 29 perimeter buoys were placed around the airport. We also took this opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard, local harbormasters, and the City of Boston. Future plans include the installation of infrared camera sensors. These will provide a 24-hour, all-weather, low-visibility intruder detection mechanism. This will not only identify the intruder. It will also pinpoint intruders on a digital map, and help police track them on video until they are apprehended. Obviously, we are focused on deterrence and prevention. But there can be no guarantees. So, we are also adopting measures that can decrease the deadly toll of terrorism such as installing shatter-proof laminate on airport terminal windows to reduce injuries from flying glass should an explosion occur. And the innovations don't stop at Logan Airport. Hanscom Field in Bedford will become the only airport of its size to have a security badge program using FBI fingerprint background checks to better identify people who have access to the airfield To further protect our maritime assets, we are adding surveillance and intrusion detection cameras at Conley Container Terminal and Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Enhanced access control and the latest perimeter fencing also will be installed. The U.S. Coast Guard has done an exceptional job of partnering with the City of Boston in protecting our harbor. And U.S. Customs is screening a higher percentage of cargo containers in Boston than almost anywhere in the country. On the Tobin Bridge, additional cameras and detection systems will be installed and the increased police patrols and inspections maintained. Looking forward, we plan to stay ahead of the pack. To accomplish that we must continue to work with our partners in the federal government and at state and city level. In addition, Massport and the passengers and businesses that depend on our facilities owe a debt of gratitude to the leadership of this state. Senators Kennedy and Kerry, the entire Congressional Delegation, Governor Romney, legislatives leaders in the Senate and House, and Mayor Menino have been incredibly supportive and committed to the cause of preparing Massport and this state should tragedy occur. Today's hearing is another example of that good work and dedication to public safety. In conclusion, the aggressive security measures being implemented and planned by thousands of frontline employees at Massport and across the state are having a positive impact on business. The signs of a return to Logan's earlier volume are encouraging and we have seen a rise in cruise ship and container ship activity. To some extent those numbers validate our approach and it is encouraging to all of us in the transportation sector. Once again, thank you for your strong support. |
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