Security officials to examine airport, seaport in Portland

PORTLAND – A group of Transportation Security Administration representatives will tour Portland’s jetport and cruise ship facilities today.

Last July, Portland Transportation Director Jeffrey Monroe requested funding to make Portland the first port in the nation to screen cruise ship passengers just like airline passengers.

Last month the TSA rejected the request but offered to send a team to Portland to evaluate security issues at the airport and water terminals.

Portland officials and U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe see the visit as an opportunity to try to convince the agency that passenger screening in seaports should become a federal responsibility, similar to airports.

Supporters say a federal takeover would standardize screening procedures among the nation’s ports. It also would shift the cost from shipping companies and port communities to the federal budget. “This is, hopefully, going to open up a dialogue,” Monroe said.

Three TSA officials will tour the city’s waterfront and meet with local officials. They will be on hand for the morning arrival of a cruise ship at the Portland Ocean Terminal and the evening arrival and departure of the Scotia Prince at the International Marine Terminal.