Grant Program

Increase in Seaport Security Funding is Proposed

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the organization representing public ports throughout the Western Hemisphere, lauded Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Patty Murray (D-WA) for introducing a bill in the U.S. Senate that includes revisions and clarifications to the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant program. “AAPA praises the senatorial leadership of Susan Collins, who chairs the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Washington State’s Patty Murray, who today have introduced the ‘GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act,’” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Both senators have a long and distinguished history of leadership in protecting our seaports against terrorism and this bipartisan bill shows their continued commitment to this critical area of our national security.” Nagle added that while there are DHS programs that address cargo and port security, the “GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act” appears to clearly outline Congress’ thoughts on these important programs and encourages them to go to the next level. He noted that AAPA is especially supportive of the portions of the bill that direct $400 million a year in appropriations from Customs duties for the federal Port Security Grant program, clarify who can apply for funding, and provide allowances for at least limited multi-year funding for port security grants.

DOT Grant Money Available for Security

U.S. ports will soon begin applying for $93.3 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to enhance seaport security. The new Port Security Grants program will be administered by the Maritime Association (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "We're very pleased that Congress recognized the tremendous need for Federal help at U.S. seaports and appropriated emergency funding for security enhancements," said Kurt J

DHS Provide Ports with $179M in Grants

As part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to enhancing security at our nation's key ports and facilities, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge has announced $179,025,900 million dollars in Port Security Grants. The Port Security Grant Program provides resources for security planning and projects to improve dockside and perimeter security which is vital to securing our critical national seaports

U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act Introduced

On April 29, 2009, members of Congress introduced the United States Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009, proposing a significant expansion of federal attention to ferry transportation.  S. 930 is sponsored by Senator Patti Murray of Washington and cosponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.  In the House of Representatives, H.R. 2172 is sponsored by Representative Rick Larsen of Washington. The legislation features a big increase in funding for the existing Federal Ferry

Round Three of Port Security Grants Announced

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a Notice stating that it has initiated Round 3 of the Port Security Grants Program. This round will focus on enhanced facility and operational security. Up to $104 million in grant monies may be awarded in this round. Applications for grants must be received by TSA not later than 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, August 21, 2003. 68 Fed. Reg. 43152

Port Security Grants Supplemental Guidance Issued

The Department of Homeland Security issued Supplemental Guidance on how to apply for a grant under the current round of the Port Security Grant Program.

Homeland Security Grant Bill Introduced

Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced a bill (S. 1554) to establish an intergovernmental grant program to identify and develop homeland security information, equipment, capabilities, technologies, and services to further the homeland security of the United States and to address the homeland security needs of Federal, State, and local governments. (HK Law).

MARAD Releases Annual Report

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) released its Annual Report 2002. Among other things, the report discusses the port security grant program, the Title XI program, and the Maritime Security Program. Source: HK Law

Senate OKs Security Improvement Act of 2006

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) applauded the unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate to pass the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954), welcoming the legislation as a comprehensive plan to improve maritime cargo and facility security and maintain an efficient flow of commerce through America’s ports. “Representatives of several Senate committees took components of the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act (S

$140M in Port Security Grants Issued

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today announced $140,857,128 in port security grants. The FY 2005 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) uses a risk-based formula to allocate funds to protect our ports from acts of terrorism. The program fortifies security at our nation’s ports by providing funding to increase protection against potential threats from small craft, underwater attacks and vehicle borne improvised explosives