Tampa steps into port deal debate

[DoYouEverWonder]

February 22, 2006

TAMPA - Amid growing criticism of a deal to give a United Arab Emirates company a major presence in U.S. ports, Tampa Port Authority commissioners took a different tack Tuesday.

After a heated debate, they authorized port director Richard Wainio to sign a contract to bring the British company at the center of the controversy to Tampa to run cargo handling at the public agency's docks.

Dubai Ports World is acquiring Peninsular & Oriental Steamship Navigation Co. of London in a $6.8-billion deal due to close March 2.

P&O operates facilities at six major seaports on the East and Gulf coasts, and that has key congressional leaders worried about potential security lapses once Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business in the UAE, takes over.

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/22/Business/Tampa_steps_into_port.shtml

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. We need to control our own ports.

[jsamuel]

2. What Tampa go from Reddish-Purple to Purplish-Blue REALLY FAST

[wakeme2008]

3. Funny thing is the one commissioner speaking out is big time FUNDIE

:shrug: