Port Security Grants: Palm Beach, Tampa Bay

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

The Port of Palm Beach has been awarded $1,995,000 in security grant funding through the 2014 Preparedness Grant Program funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Port Tampa Bay’s application for grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Seaport Security Grant Program has been fully approved in the amount of $1,688,475.

Palm Beach Awarded $1.99 Million in Port Security Grant Funding 

The Port of Palm Beach has been awarded $1,995,000 in security grant funding through the 2014 Preparedness Grant Program funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding comes from the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP).

"Through the hard work of our security and operations team, the port identified areas that qualified for the program and worked collaboratively to detail the Port’s needs and secure the funds," said Port Commission Chairman Edward R. Oppel. "This grant will allow for the port to better strengthen our measures to protect the citizens of the Port of Palm Beach District."

According to the FEMA bulletin, "The PSGP provides $100 million for transportation infrastructure security activities to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans (AMSPs) and facility security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and state and local government agencies required to provide port security services."

The bulletin further states: "The purpose of the FY 2014 PSGP is to competitively award grant funding to support increased port-wide risk management; enhance domain awareness; conduct training and exercises; expand port recovery and resiliency capabilities;[and] further capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from attacks."

The port is awaiting the detailed grant package before beginning any purchasing or training.

Port Tampa Bay Security Enhancements Funded by $1.7 Million FEMA Grant 

Port Tampa Bay’s application for grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Seaport Security Grant Program has been fully approved in the amount of $1,688,475.

The projects to be funded with grant monies—and the port’s required 25 percent match—include a new public safety complex on Hooker’s Point; a new port security boat and ramp, to be a shared asset between the port authority and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; other related pier and waterside improvements; and a new tower for security equipment, which will stand in excess of 100 feet tall when completed.

Port Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay area did very well in this year’s funding program through FEMA, said Mark Dubina, the port’s vice president of security. "It’s very gratifying that we have received the funding that we applied for, and we will use the money and our match for the betterment of the port, the businesses and waterways that surround the port," he said.

"Safety and security are of paramount importance to all of us here at the port, and we are very pleased to have received this critical funding for our port security projects," said Port President Paul Anderson. "This funding will go a long way toward making Port Tampa Bay even more vigilant and prepared. Additionally, these projects will deepen our partnership with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, who are very important to our security in and around the port on a day-to-day basis."