WEIRTON - Weirton Area Port Authority officials are seeking consideration as a fiduciary agent for the Pittsburgh area port zone, which includes the city of Weirton and surrounding communities.
Chairman B.J. DeFelice presented a resolution to the board on Wednesday, which was approved unanimously, to move forward in actions seeking fiduciary responsibilities that could benefit all areas of the U.S. Coast Guard Pittsburgh Zone.
The Pittsburgh Port Commission is currently the administrator of all Federal Emergency Management Agency money coming to the local port zone, but because Pennsylvania is a commonwealth, it is not permitted to distribute funds across state lines, according to DeFelice. He said by becoming the designated agent, it would allow some of the $400 million - $8 million to the Pittsburgh area alone - each year given through the National Port Security Program to be distributed throughout the entire region.
"West Virginia is one of the few states that can bring together public and private dollars that can cross county lines and state lines for the benefit of the surrounding communities," he said. "It is important to note the advantage of aligning our port to receive this designation now from the U.S. Coast Guard and Captain of the Port directly."
DeFelice said before a selection process would permit WAPA Inc. to serve as such, a full review of the board would be conducted. He said the organization is currently undergoing a 90-day due diligence process where a law firm out of Washington, D.C. is reviewing the current state of the boards created under the Weirton Area Port Authority to ensure all requirements, resolutions and actions of the boards are in good standing.
According to DeFelice, these types of designations help with building a resilient community of interest serving local businesses as well the entire Pittsburgh USCG COTP Zone.
"Our geographical advantage is clear for all of us to unite further and take full advantage of this opportunity to ensure we receive this coveted designation in coming months," he said.
For continued updates, visit www.wapainc.org.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
