WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin announced today that an additional $1.1 million has been awarded to improve security at the Port of Baltimore. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds will be distributed among the Maryland Port Administration, Baltimore City and the Petroleum Fuel & Terminal Co, a private terminal operator at the Port.

The Port received a DHS grant of $360,000, which will be used at terminal access points to detect bombs and other explosive devices hidden in cargo. The City received $800,000, and the private terminal operators received $29,478, which will be used to enhance security at the Port.

Since 2002, 154 priority projects to improve port security have been awarded nationwide at a cost of $49 million. Including today’s announcement, the Port of Baltimore has received seven DHS grants totally more than $11 million to improve port security. Past grants have included funds for: improved access to the public facilities at the Dundalk and Seagirt Martine Terminals, a remote video surveillance system, patrol boat, enhanced terminal perimeter security, and computer systems to enhance cargo security.

"The Port of Baltimore is one of the major ports in the United States. In 2002, $23 billion worth of international cargo was handled by the public and private marine terminals at the Port," said Rep. Cardin, a member of the Homeland Security Committee. "The heavy volume of cargo makes it imperative that the Port of Baltimore have up-to-date equipment to improve its security."

In 2003, the Congressman was instrumental in getting a mobile detection system, known as VACIS, installed at the port to improve the inspection of trucks, containers, cargo and passenger vehicles for explosives.

The Port of Baltimore is among the top 10 U.S. ports in terms of dollar value of goods that pass over its docks. Nationwide, 95% of all international trade arrives by ship, making port security a major priority at our nation’s 361 commercial ports.

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