Ensure Full FY 2009 Funding of the Port Security
Grant Program
Established in 2001 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Port Security Grant Program provides dedicated funds for Ports to strengthen security and comply with new federal mandates.
Example:
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card readers alone will cost ports more than $300 million.
- Only 20-percent of the port security grant requests from 2001-2005 received funding, according to the American Association Port Authorities.
- Recognizing an attack on our ports would cause great loss of life, damage our energy supplies and infrastructure, and hamper our ability to move and supply American military forces, Congress passed the 2006 “Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port” Act.
- This landmark legislation authorized $400 million annually for five years for Port Security Grants.
- In FY 2007, the Bush Administration requested $175 million and just $210 million in FY 2008.
- The Security Industry Association (SIA) worked with key members of Congress, including Reps. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Sens. Norm Coleman (R-MN) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), to build awareness of the challenges facing ports and the need for increased federal funds.
- As a result, Congress approved $320 million in FY 2007 and the full $400 million was included in the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
- The President’s FY 2009 budget request was again just $210 million. However, both the House and Senate voted to reauthorize the program at $400 million, again in FY2009
- Products and Services Eligible for Port Security Grant Program Spending
- Grant awards may be used for a variety of purposes including the acquisition of fencing; CCTV and digital video devices; access control systems; explosive device mitigation equipment; radiological or chemical detection devices; and identity management solutions
For More Information, contact
Don Erickson
SIA’s Director of Government Relations
703-647-8484
derickson@siaonline.org
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