Congressmen Object to Boston Port's Low Risk Rating

24:42

October 11, 2006

Democrats Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch sent a strongly worded eltter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff questioning the low risk rating the Department gave Boston.

Lynch says the port of Boston is not a low risk target. It is the only port with a liquified natura gas facility near a densely populated urban area, and could be a target for terrorists.

The rankings are used as a guideline for Federal port security grants. Highest risk ports will get upwards of $11 million. Boston is slated to get just over $147,000.

The annual ratings are assigned according to a tier system. Tier 1 is highest risk. Tier 4 is lowest risk. The latest rankings were part of a September 2006 DHS review of port security.

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This program aired on October 11, 2006.