HOUSTON, March 30, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Port Commission of The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) approved nearly $5 million in security improvements, including payment of up to $100,000 for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment fees on behalf of its Commissioners and Commission counsel, employees and certain temporary workers, at its March 27 regular meeting. Chairman Jim Edmonds presided over the meeting with Commissioner Kase Lawal, Commissioner Steve Phelps, Commissioner Jim Fonteno, Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Commissioner Janiece Longoria and Commissioner Elyse Lanier.
SECURITY MATTERS
(Agenda G3) Commissioners approved a construction contract for $2.278 million to Jerdon Enterprise, L.P., for Cargo Bay Road Gate.
(Agenda G4) The Commission approved a professional services contract for $85,920 to Shrader Engineering Company, Inc., for Access Control at Executive Office Building and Port Coordination Center and Connection of Turning Basin Terminal CCTV to fiber network.
(Agenda G5) The Commission approved a professional service contract for $42,050. The contractor - North American Controls Corporation - will install access control at Barbours Cut Administration Building and replacement of card readers at various Port Authority locations.
(Agenda G6) Commissioners approved a professional services contract for $41,837 to TRC Engineers, Inc., for Access Control and CCTV for the Point at Barbours Cut.
(Agenda G7) Commissioners approved a professional services contract for $92,000 to HPA, Inc. for Woodhouse Terminal Access Control.
(Agenda G21) Commissioners authorized up to $100,000 for payment of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment fees on behalf of the port authority's Commissioners and Commission counsel, employees and certain temporary workers.
PHA is working to be in compliance with the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, or MTSA. The TWIC will serve as the common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels and all mariners holding Coast Guard issued credentials or qualification documents. TSA will issue workers a tamper-resistant "Smart Card" containing the worker's biometric (fingerprint template) to allow for a positive link between the card itself and the individual.
(Agenda M1) The Commission authorized $2.427 million for an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction of the Secured Truck Entrance at Cargo Bay Road.
CONSTRUCTION MATTERS
(Agenda G11) Commissioners approved a construction contract for about $1.884 million to AAA Asphalt Paving, Inc. for Gate I Road improvements and Access Road to Lease Yards.
BAYPORT MATTERS
(Agenda G13) The Commission approved execution of a change order for $339,618 to Zachry Construction Corporation for Bayport Cruise Terminal Complex Phase I - Site and Utilities.
(Agenda G15) Commissioners approved execution of a change order for $66,435 to McCarthy Construction Corporation for Bayport Terminal Complex Phase I Container Yard - Stage1.
(Agenda G19) Commissioners approved the amendment of a contract for $186,640 with Klotz Association, Inc. for Bayport Terminal Complex Phase I Container Yard Design.
(Agenda K2) The Commission authorized advertising and receipt of competitive sealed proposals for fill placement at Bayport.
(Agenda K4) Commissioners approved specifications and authorization of advertising and receipt of competitive sealed proposals for the purchase of three 30KW back-up generators for Bayport Container Terminal.
ROAD IMPROVEMENT MATTERS
(Agenda G18) Commissioners approved an amendment to a contract for $3.026 million with the Texas Department of Transportation and Harris County for widening Main Street in Galena Park.
OTHER MATTERS
(Agenda M3) Commissioners authorized the amendment of the Small Business Development Program Policy and Procedures Manual, and delegation of authority to the Executive Director to perform certain functions described in the manual. The Small Business Development Program Task Force met in February and recommended these minor administrative changes to the SBDP Policy and Procedures Manual.
This news release is not a substitute for the official PHA agenda. To view the complete agenda, please visit: http://portofhouston.com/publicrelations/meetings.html
The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 7,000 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and 10th largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange.
For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com
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