September 5, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

Release Date: September 5, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today formally recognized the creation of the new Critical Manufacturing Sector Coordinating Council (CMSCC).  The CMSCC includes companies such as automakers, heavy equipment manufacturers and steel producers. 

“Because of the unique operating and supply-chain challenges faced by manufacturers, we determined that a new sector council would best address the needs of companies that did not fit precisely within the original 17-sector structure,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.  “Critical manufacturers are important members of our national team that will help us develop plans and exchange information in order to achieve our common security goals in this vital sector.”

In 2003, Homeland Security Presidential Directive-7 (HSPD-7) established a national policy for identifying and protecting critical infrastructure and key resources.  At that time, the directive identified 17 economic, industrial, and essential service sectors, but authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security toevaluate the need for new sectors as necessary. 

Following HSPD-7, the DHS Secretary, with the support of the heads of key departments and agencies, issued the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) to provide a framework for accomplishing the mission of protecting critical infrastructure and key resources. The NIPP identified the individual sector coordinating councils (SCCs) as the principal forums for owners and operators of each of the 17 critical infrastructure and key resource sectors to work in partnership with government on a wide range of prevention, protection, and risk reduction activities and issues. Following the publication of the NIPP, DHS recognized 17 self-organized SCCs, one representing each of the 17 sectors. Specific membership varies by sector, reflecting the unique composition of each.  The Critical Manufacturing Sector was designated as the 18th sector in April 2008 and is the first sector to be recognized through the exercise of the Secretary’s authority.

“U.S. manufacturers are responsible for creating essential products, contributing billions of dollars to the economy and providing over one million American jobs,” said Richard A. Douglas, global security chief for the United States Steel Corporation and chairman of the CMSCC.  “We are grateful for DHS’ recognition and look forward to working together in strengthening the manufacturing sector’s ability to be prepared and resilient against the threats of terrorism and all-hazard emergencies.”  

The current CMSCC membership includes:

• ArcelorMittal USA
• Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc.
• Caterpillar Inc.
• Chrysler LLC
• Deere & Company
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
• Kohler Company
• Navistar International Corporation
• United States Steel Corporation

For more information on NIPP sector coordinating councils, visit www.dhs.gov.

Posted in CIP | Print | No Comments »

September 5, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

 As of 1200 UTC on 5 September 2008, Tropical Storm Hanna was located approximately 114 mi/185 km east of Melbourne, Florida, and approximately 425 mi/680 south of Wilmington, North Carolina. The storm is moving northwest at approximately 8 mph/7 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to turn to the north later on 5 September. The storm has maximum sustained winds of approximately 65 mph/56 kt with higher gusts. Hanna is expected to make landfall along the North and South Carolina coast late on 5 September. Authorities have established evacuation centers in preparation for possible flooding. Charleston International Airport (KCHS/CHS) expects to stop receiving commercial flights at 1700 local time.

As of 0900 UTC on 5 September, Tropical Storm Josephine was located 664 mi/1,065 km west of the Cape Verde Islands. The storm is moving at approximately 9 mph/8 kt and has maximum sustained winds of approximately 50 mph/43 kt. The storm has disrupted shipping in the area; however, it is not currently known whether the storm will make landfall.

Posted in CIP, State & Local | Print | No Comments »