DHS Port Security Grants

The President’s FY 2005 request includes $46 million in port security grants to be administered by the Office of Domestic Preparedness. The Maritime Transportation Security Act authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Maritime Administrator, to make port security grants to port authorities, facility operators, and state and local governments. These grants may be used to correct vulnerabilities in port security and ensure compliance with Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility plans. In Fiscal Years 2002, 2003 and 2004 a total of $588 million has been appropriated for these grants. Of that amount, $442 million has been awarded. An additional round of grants in expected to be made later this year. In FY 2004, $124.5 million was provided to the Transportation Security Administration for these grants. (HK Law)