Charleston - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is awarding $5.2 million in port security grants to the South Carolina State Ports Authority in the latest round of grants.
"This is the largest security grant we've ever received," said Bernard S. Groseclose Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "Although it's only a portion of what we requested, the grants will go a long way toward improving seaport security. We thank our congressional delegation for their support and interest in South Carolina's port security needs."
The funding will be used to enhance physical security, such as gates, barriers, guard houses, lighting, video surveillance and vehicle-screening areas, at the Wando Welch Terminal.
In its application, the Ports Authority requested $18.1 million for port security projects. In the current round, more than $141 million in grants was awarded to facilities in 36 cities nationwide.
In the first four rounds of Port Security Grants, the Ports Authority received $7.5 million.
Charleston is the U.S. pilot location for Project Seahawk, an anti-terrorism task force of all local, state and federal law enforcement bodies that are co-located to share intelligence. In addition, the South Carolina State Ports Authority is a certified member of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, a public-private global supply chain security initiative.
The complete DHS press release and listing of grants is available online at www.dhs.gov.