War II economic expansion. In addition to the military bases at the port, more than 20 maritime facilities in Jacksonville's harbor are privately owned and operated, including drydocks and petroleum terminals. Port Authority The Jacksonville Port Authority (JPA) was created in 1963 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. The authority, also known as "Jaxport"', is the independent government agency that owns, operates and controls much of Jacksonville’s Seaport System, including (but not limited to) the following: docks and wharfs, cranes, a passenger cruise terminal, warehouses, paved open storage areas, and road connections to the public highway system. Jaxport maintains these facilities and manages their overall use. Private companies pay lease and rental fees to Jaxport in order to operate from the seaport. This revenue funds the day-to-day operations so that public tax dollars are not required. Jaxport does not operate or manage private boat marinas, water taxis or bridges. The port has always taken security seriously; after the September 11 attacks, thwarting terrorism became the focus. Security guards are on constant patrol, supported by the Seaport Security Unit, made up of 11 officers and 2 sergeants on contract from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Department of Homeland Security also has a presence with United States Customs Service and United States Border Patrol agents. The port has three areas of activity: cargo, cruises and ferry service. Cargo The port has three separate cargo facilities: Blount Island, Talleyrand and Dames Point. Blount Island Blount Island lies from the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the largest vehicle import/export centers in the United States. The United States Marine Corps uses on the east side of the island for its Maritime Prepositioning Force operations, and the public Blount Island Marine Terminal, which is Jaxport's largest container facility, occupies on the west half of the island. Blount Island can also process Ro/Ro, heavy lift, breakbulk and liquid bulk cargoes on of deep water () berths. Talleyrand The oldest marine facility at Jaxport is the Talleyrand Marine Terminal, located from the Atlantic. The facility handles automobiles (import), liquid bulk commodities, break bulk cargo and containerized cargo. With six container cranes, on-dock rail service and a transit shed, the terminal can process frozen, refrigerated or ambient cargo on of deepwater () berthing space. A warehouse of is available to store many types of cargoes. Dames Point The newest marine facility at Jaxport is the nearly Dames