The Department of Homeland Security has pledged a $2.72 million grant to the Port of Long Beach.
The grant is to enhance security and ensure safe and efficient transportation of cargo in the case of an emergency.
“The ports are the backbone of our local economy, and vital to the nation’s trade,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “By investing in our security measures, we are not only protecting the movement of valuable cargo but also securing the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the Port’s operations.”
“Ports are the economic engine of our community and our country,” said U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia. “As mayor, I saw the threats we face and the importance of federal assistance. This funding will protect our community and our economy, and I will continue to go to bat for our unique needs.”
“This grant will strengthen our ability to protect the workforce and critical infrastructure responsible for moving cargo valued at more than $200 billion annually,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank the Department of Homeland Security for helping enhance the security and resiliency of our operations in the event of an emergency.”
“I would like to thank our federal partners for providing us with the funding to elevate our security measures and enhance our ability to detect and respond to threats within the Port,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “This grant will help ensure the safe and reliable movement of goods and secure our position as a leader in trans-Pacific trade.”
The grant will be applied to four different projects, maintenance, expansions, and modernizations of certain sectors.
The Port currently has more than 750 cameras as part of its closed-circuit television and wireless security system that are in need of regular maintenance.
The existing security access control systems and information-sharing platforms connecting commercial agencies and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are also in need of additional support.
The third project will be an expansion of a cloud-based resiliency network in the event of a cybersecurity attack, a natural disaster or other emergency outages.
Lastly, the grant will be used to modernize the Ports core security network, which is monitored by the Joint Commander and Control Center.
