2005 Port Security Grants Application Opens
U. S. Coast Guard
May 18, 2005

COAST GUARD ISLAND, ALAMEDA, Calif. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the availability of $140,857,128 in port security funds. The 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, and to enhance explosive detection capabilities aboard vehicle ferries and associated facilities.

The new risk-based formula considers three elements: threat, vulnerability, and consequence. As part of this risk management approach, the port security grant program will ensure federally regulated ports, terminals, and U.S. inspected passenger vessels receiving the funds represent assets of the highest national strategic importance. Sixty-six port areas have been identified as eligible applicants for inclusion in the 2005 program. Successful applicants will be awarded for consideration through a competitive process. Captain of the Port San Francisco Bay port areas eligible for consideration of funding are Oakland, Richmond, and San Francisco.

"Our nation's ports are centers for commerce, trade, and travel--areas our enemies could seek to attack in their attempts to defy freedom and liberty. These grants will help prepare and protect our nation to minimize risk and to win the war on terrorism," said Matt A. Mayer, Acting Executive Director for the Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP).

DHS designed this program in coordination with the Department of Transportation and the American Association of Port Authorities. DHS has collectively awarded $489.4 million in previous rounds.