(Washington, DC, – September 29, 2003)—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen said today that she is pleased two Virgin Islands port facilities will receive more than $1.5 million in funding from the Urban Areas Security Initiative Port Security Grant Program.  “As we celebrate National Port Security Day, I am pleased that our ports remain competitive in receiving this funding that is sought after by facilities across the country,” said Christensen.

The Virgin Islands Port Authority is slated to receive $1,493,996 for the purchase of emergency responder equipment, detection equipment, physical security enhancements, interoperable communications equipment, and patrol vehicles (including watercraft).  The West Indian Company Ltd. Will receive $23,668 that can be used for the funding of the same items.

Christensen who serves as a Member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and on the House Port Security Caucus has called for increased port and border support for the territory.  “I think we have gotten the message across that the Virgin Islands is indeed an important point of entry into the country and a vulnerable part of its southern border,” Christensen said.  She continues to call for a border patrol unit for the territory.

Christensen will travel this weekend to the Port of Seattle, Washington with her colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee to tour and look at points of interest in the port and cybersecurity arena.  The Committee has traveled to the Port of Los Angeles, earlier this year.  The Delegate has asked that the panel visit the territory as well in the near future.