Charleston, SC - Port security in Charleston will get a big boost thanks to $2.8 million in grants to the South Carolina State Ports Authority announced today by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Projects covered by the grants include video surveillance upgrades at the Port?s three container terminals in Charleston, lighting enhancements and access control at the Wando Welch Terminal, the state's busiest marine terminal.
"The Ports Authority is dedicated to securing our state's Port system while ensuring the smooth flow of commerce," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president & CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. These grants are a big help.
Charleston's grants are part of $179 million in grants announced today by Secretary Tom Ridge of DHS. In its application, the Ports Authority requested $6.5 million for port security projects, leaving $3.7 million in project unfunded. "Port security will get stronger with these projects, but there are certainly other needs," said Groseclose. "We're not resting. The men and women working to protect our nation are committed to doing what it takes to secure our ports."
In two previous rounds of Port Security Grants, the Ports Authority received a total of $4.48 million for projects such as a new high-tech patrol boat, fencing, access control systems, video surveillance and a central monitoring system.
The complete DHS press release and listing of grants will be posted on the TSA website: https://www.portsecuritygrants.dottsa.net.
Earlier this year, the Ports Authority pledged to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, a public-private global supply chain security initiative. Charleston is also the pilot location for Project Seahawk, a task force of all local, state and federal law enforcement bodies that are co-located to share intelligence and thwart terrorist activities.