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GCN Home > 09/18/06 issue

David Stone | Another View: Security is a public-private concern

By David M. Stone, Special to GCN

Much progress has been made in homeland security over the last five years, but we still have a long way to go. There is an endless list of operational requirements and no lack of bright ideas and innovative technologies. But with a tight federal budget and a costly “global war on terror,” some new and creative means of funding must be found if we are to implement additional and often expensive homeland security related measures.

One place to begin is by adding a proposed $5 “security user fee” to the cost of an airline ticket to ensure research and development funds are available to enhance aviation security. This fee is long overdue, having been rejected by Congress despite administration efforts. Due to budget constraints, R&D funding is often sacrificed to meet rising personnel costs.

We also need to consider user fees for the costs associated with implementing container screening and other security initiatives at our nation’s ports. With transportation users absorbing these costs, the silver lining is reduced government involvement, resulting in quicker implementation of innovative security technologies. User fees for transportation security are needed immediately, and Congress should seek to make it a priority issue.

It is also worth noting the growing involvement of investment banks in leasing critical infrastructure. This leads to additional resources for security and safety initiatives. Two prime examples are the Chicago Skyway, owned by the city of Chicago, and the Indiana Toll Road, owned by the state of Indiana. The governments involved not only received an influx of needed cash, but taxpayers also benefit from the more immediate improvements on these roadways without an increase in taxes. This model is working in the marketplace. With creative thought and strong security oversight, these types of leasing arrangements provide a means to deliver sorely needed resources to our ports and airports.

The bottom line is this: Rather than relying primarily on the government to pay the cost of homeland security—and then shouting partisan chants that “not enough funding is being provided”—we need leaders who are receptive to both user fees and increased investment banking involvement in our critical infrastructures.

More news on related topics: Homeland Security, IT Management



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