Executive Order  No. 431: Special Advisory Task Force on Massport

WHEREAS, recent terrorist attacks require a fundamental reevaluation in the way the Commonwealth manages the safety and security of our air and sea ports;

WHEREAS, the Massachusetts Port Authority ("Massport") has grown over the years from a small regional air field into a diverse, international organization controlling airports, seaports, bridges, and tourism facilities;

WHEREAS, Massport is the key transportation and shipping hub for Massachusetts and the entire New England Region, and public confidence in Massport is critical to the economic and fiscal health of the Commonwealth;

WHEREAS, the safety and security of our air and sea ports must be addressed in the larger context of Massport's mission, scope, and management structure;

WHEREAS, the government has the responsibility to recognize that a more dangerous world requires a critical, comprehensive review of the culture and structure of Massport; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth and the New England region will be best served by a review of all aspects of Massport's operation, and by the recommendation and implementation of long-term, permanent changes to enable Massport to continue serving our citizens well into the 21 st century.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jane Swift, Governor of the Commonwealth, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established the Special Advisory Task Force on Massport (the "Task Force"). The Task Force shall systematically review the function, mission, and security of the entire Massport operation and advise the Governor on how the focus and mission of Massport can best be improved to meet the challenges of a new era. Specifically, the Task Force shall examine the need to refocus Massport's attention on public safety and the means by which to implement necessary changes.

Section 2. Within the context of the need for increased attention to airport and seaport safety, the Task Force shall advise and make recommendations to the Governor on all aspects of the Massport operation including, but not limited to:

(a) the fundamental mission of Massport;

(b) the scope of Massport's responsibilities;

(c) the governing structure of Massport;

(d) the financing and management of Massport; and

(e) the hiring and personnel policies of Massport and all of its associated and affiliated agencies.

Section 3. The Task Force shall consist of six (6) members appointed by the Governor and each shall be chosen from the ranks of business, management, security, legal and aviation experts. The Governor shall appoint one of the members to serve as Chair of the Task Force. All members shall serve without compensation in a strictly advisory capacity to and at the pleasure of the Governor.

Section 4. The Task Force may call upon and utilize additional services of individuals and entities from outside its membership for support, research, or other functions necessary and appropriate to accomplish the objectives of the Task Force.

Section 5. The Task Force shall meet at such times and places as determined by the Chair, provided that it reports its findings and recommendations to the Governor by no later than December 4, 2001.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 27th day of September in the year two thousand one.

Jane Swift

Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

William Francis Galvin

Secretary of the Commonwealth