The American Association of Port Authorities is concerned that local agencies with no nexus to ports are taking advantage of a federal program designed to help ports pay for security needs.
Dozens of port authorities and marine terminals received port security grants this summer from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but millions of dollars from the $100 million program went to local law enforcement agencies and other non-port entities.
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said the impact of the program is being diluted by spreading funds too broadly to cities, counties and state agencies that have few ties to ports and very low maritime threats. Law enforcement agencies should coordinate better with port authorities on grant applications, the association argued.
“Funding to local law enforcement needs to illustrate a stronger connection with the port complex to ensure the funds are being used for their intended purposes. There should be a letter of endorsement from the port authority if a regional authority is to receive a port security grant,” David Espie, director of security for the Port of Baltimore, testified before a joint committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.
Port security grants are part of the federal government’s national preparedness strategy of strengthening critical infrastructure against risks associated with terrorism and are administered by FEMA.
The money can be used by port authorities, state and local government agencies and private facility operators on risk mitigation planning; maritime domain awareness; detection of explosives and chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons; cyber security; training and related measures aimed at reducing port vulnerabilities. Approved expenditures include installation of physical barriers, technology such as sensors and video devices, equipment, and maintenance and personnel to run the systems.
In an interview, Espie singled out the Maryland State Police, which was awarded $399,564 even though it is not responsible for security at any port.
Maryland State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo was not able to provide details on what the department planned to use the money for, but said past grants have gone to procure a specialized vehicle for the bomb squad, a boat, scuba equipment and other resources for the Special Operations Unit, which includes the underwater rescue team.
Espie said he believed the state police intends to purchase small speedboats to perform rescues on rivers and lakes.
“We feel the major ports in the United States, at least the top 25, should probably get 99 percent of that money. You’re seeing small cities on the river banks, other entities that don’t directly attach themselves to the ports, that are getting some monies for this and we don’t think that’s right. There are other grants available to them to get equipment [and so on],” he told American Shipper last week during an AAPA security seminar in Arlington, Va.
FEMA administers seven other preparedness grant programs, including the Homeland Security Grant Program and the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program. Grants for law enforcement and first responders are also available through the Justice Department and other sources.
Awardees for fiscal year 2016 port security grants included the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission ($429,214), the Cleveland Metropolitan Park District ($4,286), the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Law Enforcement Division ($179,000), and the City of Morgantown, W. Va., Police Department ($98,455).
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s law enforcement division, which enforces conservation laws, also plays an auxiliary role helping to prevent illegal imports of protected and regulated wildlife and supports homeland security initiatives in Florida ports, spokesman Robert Klepper said. He could not provide information by press time on what the grant is intended for.
The Cleveland MetroPark plans to buy an underwater metal detector for its ranger force that provides security and conducts rescues at its lakefront and other properties, Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Manderfield said.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department received more than $21,000. The money will be used to purchase dry suits, helmets, personal flotation devices and other equipment for its expanding Marine Team, according to spokesman Art Kohn. The fire department’s participation in the Regional Maritime Incident Response Team organized by the Port of Virginia made it possible to be eligible for the FEMA grant, he added.
The AAPA wants to ensure that there is sufficient money to deal with emerging threats at seaports, such as criminals hacking computer systems, which means grants should go for their intended purpose, John Young, director of freight and surface transportation policy, said.
The association would also like the program to be restored to $400 million, but officials say they realize that is not probable with tight federal budgets.
AAPA: Port security grants spread too thin
