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For Immediate Release
September 26, 2006 |
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Bridgeport Receives DHS
Port Security Funding for Harbor Patrol Unit Equipment
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT)
announced today that Bridgeport will receive a $24,968 Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) Port Security Grant, bringing Bridgeport’s
total for port security funding to $4,876,794 since Fiscal
Year 2003 (FY 03). The funding will be used to provide additional
equipment for the Bridgeport Police Harbor Patrol Unit’s
dive team.
The New York metropolitan area will also receive $53.8 million
for transit security funding, including $47 million for rail
security, $5.5 million for bus security and $1.3 million for
ferry security. The New York metropolitan area has received
$146,962,894 in transit security funding since FY 03.
“This additional funding will help Bridgeport meet
its equipment needs for the Harbor Patrol Unit,” Shays
said. “As an advocate for increased port security, I
am grateful for this support of my hometown’s harbor.”
"Bridgeport's Dive team operates seven days a week patrolling
the harbor, providing surveillance and security escorts for
the ferry, maintaining the perimeter of the Port, and investigating
potential signs of concern," explained Bridgeport Mayor
John M. Fabrizi. "These funds will enable our team to
better respond to emergencies and to perform simultaneous
operations when necessary. I want to thank the Department
of Homeland Security, Congressman Shays, and our entire federal
delegation for supporting our application for this funding."
“The City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Port Authority
continue to make security improvements in Bridgeport’s
harbor with use of the DHS Port Security program,” said
Joe Riccio, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Port Authority.
“The Port Authority and the Police Department will have
spent in excess of $2.5 million so far on security and surveillance
equipment and new vessels from DHS round 3 funding. In the
near future we will spend $1.4 million on more security improvements
at the Bridgeport ferry terminal from DHS round 5 funding.
This round 6 money will assist in the uniform needs of the
Bridgeport Dive Unit.”
There are 18 divers on the Bridgeport Police Department Harbor
Patrol Unit, but the unit has 12 dive suits. The additional
dive equipment, consisting of dry suits, face masks, underwater
video camera system, strobe and mask lights, will allow the
dive team to provide increased surveillance and improve the
security of the Harbor.
Because Bridgeport was eligible for Port Security Grant funds
in Fiscal Year 2005, DHS allowed the City to compete again
for additional funding to complete high-priority projects.
DHS awarded the New York metropolitan area increased security
funding based on risk. It will see a 26 percent increase in
transit funding, from $42.8 million last to year to $53.8
million this year, and $25.7 million in port security grants
this year, up from $6.6 million last year.
“I have been a strong proponent for risk-based security
funding because so many constituents of the Fourth District
commute to and work in New York City,” Shays said. “This
increased allocation will help to make the City – target
#1 for terrorists – better prepared.”
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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