Lynn Fritz, who made his fame and fortune by anticipating change in the global supply chain arena, has been using that same skill set to redefine emergency logistical support for this community. In what is being hailed as the first cross-sector disaster preparedness partnership of its kind, The Fritz Institute has launched The Bay Area Preparedness Initiative as a national model for disaster relief.
By Patrick BurNson
Published: June, 2007
Fritz Institute Launches Bay Area Preparedness Initiative
Lynn Fritz, who made his fame and fortune by anticipating change in the global supply chain arena, has been using that same skill set to redefine emergency logistical support for this community. In what is being hailed as the first cross-sector disaster preparedness partnership of its kind, The Fritz Institute has launched The Bay Area Preparedness Initiative as a national model for disaster relief. Although specific Bay transport and shipping partners have yet to be identified, Bay Crossings was told that they would be included in a coalition comprising leaders from government, private industry, and the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. According to spokesmen, all will be working together in a structured, multi-disciplinary way to identify weak links in preparedness and collaborate in developing local evidence-based solutions that address those gaps.
www.fritzinstitute.org
Port of Oakland Finally Gets DHS Respect
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training, which had up until now given less funding to Oakland than much smaller ports, has finally come through with some cash. Port officials were relieved to discover late last month that they will receive $5.6 million for its Infrastructure Protection Program. This includes the creation of a wireless backbone for its communication network and an upgrade to the intrusion detection system (cameras and video analytics, etc.). Thanks in large part to the political pressure exerted by State Senators and the Governor, the port will get 75 percent of the cost for each project. www.portofoakland.org
AgTC Has New Reason for Fighting Container Tax
Opponents of SB 974, which will impose a $30 tax on container vessels entering or leaving the Port of Oakland, have long argued that it will divert cargo away from our major cargo gateway. Now the Agriculture Transportation Coalition is joining others in saying that the sin tax will also have dire consequences for the environment.
California exports a significant amount of waste paper which is recycled overseas, an AgTC spokesman said. This is a result of state and local statutes, regulations and programs that aim to reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills. California is constantly seeking new ways to expand both government and private recycling programs. In fact, California even has the Recycling Market Development Zone program which provides free loans, technical assistance and product marketing to companies that develop recycling programs in California.
The value of this commodity is quite low, added the AgTC, and the tax imposed by SB 974 would significantly reduce the profitability of this business that helps the state meet source reduction goals. The AGTC stages its annual meeting in San Francisco early this month. The event’s invited luncheon speaker, Sen. Allan Lowenthal, sponsors the bill.
www.agtrans.org
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