Security funding for over 30 port authorities

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a fiscal year 2020 allocation of US$100m for its Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). The funding will go to over 30 port authorities, along with various terminal operators, municipalities and policing entities, to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) government relations director and general counsel Cary Davis, said: “The Port Security Grant Program protects our country, our workers, and our supply chains. Ports large and small use these grants to stay vigilant, to ‘harden’ their facilities and networks, and to prepare for attacks. Even though it’s grotesque and difficult, critical infrastructure ports are targeted daily by terrorists around the world.

“Our understanding about what threats look like are evolving, and the PSGP is evolving, too. Whether it’s attempted supply chain disruption, sophisticated and coordinated cross-border attacks, or novel cyber threats that transcend national borders, ports have security challenges like never before.

“AAPA is proud to fight tooth-and-nail for this program in light of proposed cuts.”

According to FEMA, the agency gave priority consideration for projects that enhance protection of soft targets/crowded places; enhance weapons of mass destruction and improvised explosive device prevention, detection, response and recovery capabilities; enhance cybersecurity; and address emergent threats, such as unmanned aerial systems.