The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has written to the US House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee leaders, urging bipartisan action to expand federal counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) authorities and to ensure seaports are explicitly eligible for any pilot programme.
In the letter, AAPA President and CEO Cary S. Davis wrote, “Understanding that implementation will rely on partnership with [State, Local, Tribal and Territorial] law enforcement, we respectfully request that seaports be explicitly recognised as potential sites for pilot deployment, especially given their [Department of Homeland Security]-designated status as critical infrastructure.”
Ports face increasing threats from unauthorised drones flying over hazardous storage areas, sensitive perimeters and critical operations. AAPA says several ports have reported incidents that disrupted activity and posed safety risks, yet lack the legal authority and technical resources to respond in real-time.
AAPA supports the reintroduction of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act.
“AAPA is actively engaged with Congress, in coordination with its Security Committee and Board of Directors, to ensure ports are recognised as critical partners in national airspace security,” the association said on August 27, adding that it will continue to advocate that ports be included in any expanded pilot programme and provide technical assistance to policymakers shaping legislation in this area.
For more information
