Washington, Sep 25 -  

The Department of Homeland Security today announced funding of $9 million through the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) for the City of Charleston and the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SPA). The awards are made under the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP).

Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) received notification of the awards through the DHS Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants and Training. “The grants for the City of Charleston and the State Ports Authority will facilitate further strengthening of the facilities’ perimeter,” Brown said. “Both the SPA and the City of Charleston are to be commended for their work in pursuing these funding sources.”

The City of Charleston’s award is for $298,825 and is categorized for “Vessels-Prevention/Detection.” The SPA received two grants: $6,966,465 for “Facility/Perimeter Security – Intrusion Prevention” and $1,756,301 for “Facility/Perimeter Security – Multi-layer.”

The PSGP provides funds to enhance the security of the nation’s ports and port facilities. The FY 2006 PSGP emphasizes protection for improvised explosive devices, non-conventional methods of attack, and increased domain awareness in the port environment. The nation’s most critical seaports, as identified by the United States Coast Guard, were eligible to apply for funding under the FY2006 PSGP.

The actual date of award for these grants will be September 29.