Coastal Waterways: An Untapped Security Resource

by Phil Leggiere

New report outlines the homeland security case for re-investing in America’s “blue highways”. As a geographic barrier insulating the United States from potentially hostile nations, the oceans and waterways surrounding America from East and West have played an integral role in the nation’s security from its founding. Though no longer as formidable a geographic buffer in a world of high-speed global transport as they once were, our coastal waterways, according to a new study, may well hold the key to renewed resilience in the 21st century. The study, entitled America's Deep Blue Highway: How Coastal Shipping Could Reduce Traffic Congestion, Lower Pollution, and Bolster National Security, published by the Gloucester, Mass.-based The Institute for Global Maritime Studies, makes a case, partly based on homeland security concerns, for renovating our currently moribund coastal water transportation and shipping system Click here to see full report....