Port of Long Beach awarded $4.2 million security grant

Federal funds will pay for physical, cyber security enhancements

Port of Long Beach Security control roomThe Port of Long Beach has been awarded $4,197,480 from the Port Security Grant Program administered by U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The funds ― part of grants announced last month — will be utilized for security system maintenance, along with expanding and enhancing physical and cyber security capabilities at the nation’s second-busiest seaport.

“These funds are critical to maintaining our robust security program,” said Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach. “We are able to service and replace critical systems to keep our harbor safe from a wide variety of threats. We are thankful to our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their continued support.”

“Maintaining security here is of vital importance to our local economy and the nation’s economy, and the Harbor Commission is appreciative of the federal funding for this effort,” said Tracy Egoscue, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The Port of Long Beach received funding at the full amount requested and was awarded the third-highest amount of money from the Port Security Grant Program after the New York City Police and Fire departments.

More than 30 ports nationwide received grants totaling $100 million. The funds are awarded annually on a competitive basis to protect commerce and strengthen security for maritime infrastructure and transportation.

The Long Beach Police Department was awarded a separate $1,118,250 grant, while the Long Beach Fire Department received $315,000 through the Port Security Grant Program.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $194 billion in trade annually, supporting hundreds of thousands of Southern California jobs.