Senator Frank Padavan released a report on the State of New York's port security. Since the tragedies that occurred September 11, 2001, the state and country have been reevaluating and fortifying borders. "Through this report and the work of the task force I am hopeful we can strengthen these ports that are truly catalysts for the entire country's financial structure," Padavan said.

Padavan, who in February was named chair of the newly created Senate Majority Task Force on Port Security, and his colleagues have been working diligently since the task force's creation to answer their mission to investigate issues related to the security of New York's ports and maritime transportation system.

The task force held a public hearing and toured the Port of New York and New Jersey in April, gathering information for the recently released report. "I often find one of the best ways to learn about any topic is to listen. And that is what we did; we toured the Port of New York and New Jersey and listened to anyone who would talk to us," Padavan said. "We held a public hearing in which we heard testimony from experts in the field. We certainly learned a lot.

"What we know for sure is that there has to be better cooperation between local, state and federal authorities. The task force's main recommendation is for an integrated approach to port security. By working together we will be able to protect our ports better and generally enhance our national security."

In addition to their recommendation of an integrated approach, Senator Padavan and his colleagues so far have introduced at least four pieces of legislation that strengthen security for New York ports, that legislation was passed by both houses and signed into law by the governor. The legislation passed includes bills that would extend the general powers of the Waterfront Commission, specifically their ability to obtain information from non-residents and sources, suspend employment of registrants and permit holders, and commence hearings and discretion to bar suspended individuals from employment (S. 7109-A); allow the Waterfront Commission to deny applications for registration or licensing of employees who posses a criminal background (S. 6822-B); amend the navigation laws to adjust the pilotage tariff table over a three-year period (S. 6968); and broaden the Waterfront Commission's ability to revoke or suspend registrations and licenses for crimes involving controlled dangerous substances (S. 7181-A).

"Although we have already passed some very important legislation relating to port security, that is just the beginning," Padavan concluded. "This report is meant to act as a catalyst for really making some serious improvements to the port and maritime transportation systems, protecting not only the hundreds of thousands of people and jobs related to those fields but all New Yorkers."

For a copy of this report, visit Senator Padavan's website, www.frankpadavan.com, or contact his office at 518-455-3381.