The Port of Corpus Christi Commission took action and approved the Harbor Safety fee to support the creation of the marine patrol unit that will help protect the Port of Corpus Christi (PCCA). Over the last eight months there have been extensive discussions about the need and cost of a marine patrol unit to protect the Port of Corpus Christi. This issue has been reviewed at meetings with the Port Industry (PICC), the U. S. Coast Guard, Nueces and San Patricio County Sheriff’s Departments, South Texas Area Maritime Security Committee as well as at numerous Port Commission meetings and workshop sessions. (See attached summary of public involvement)

The cost for the new marine patrol unit was included in the 2010 budget and was approved at the November 10, 2009 Port Commission. In order to provide the necessary funding for the new security marine patrol, the Port established a new tariff called a Harbor Safety Fee. This fee will be based on a charge per ship or barge just as currently done for the Fire Boat Tariff. The Fire Boat Tariff (currently $275 for ships and $35 for barges) will be eliminated and combined with the cost for the security marine patrol in the Harbor Safety Fee. This provides customers with one combined charge for marine fire and marine police protection instead of two separate added charges.