AMSC Delaware Bay
FY08 Port Security Grant Program
08/24/09: Press Release
DELAWARE RIVER PORTS – The Grant Sub-Committee of the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay announced today that applications are now being accepted for the remaining $6-8 million in FY 2008 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funds.
The PSGP is one of five grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP). The vast bulk of America’s critical infrastructure is owned or operated by states, local organizations and the private sector. The funds provided by the PSGP are primarily intended to support the work of increasing port-wide risk management, enhanced domain awareness capabilities through development and implementation of a port-wide Risk Management/ Mitigation and Business Continuity/Resumption of Trade plan to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other non-conventional weapons, as well as training and exercises.
In August of 2008, the AMSC completed the required Strategic Risk Mitigation Plan that will guide investments for security related projects for the next five years. With the completed plan, the Committee is poised to evaluate projects proposed by local maritime stakeholders that will address the region’s security needs.
"The members of the AMSC have learned much from previous PSGP rounds. We will apply this knowledge, as well as the recommendations from our Strategic Risk Management Plan, as we work on this next round to ensure the proposals will work towards the goal of reducing the risk to the port," said Capt. Meredith Austin, Coast Guard Captain of the Port and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator.
The Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, which serves as Fiduciary Agent to the AMSC, has established a web site containing specific federal and local guidance for the grant program. The site will also be used for processing applications. See http://www.maritimedelriv.com/psgp8.htm.
Applications are due on October 12, 2009. The AMSC expects to release an additional $19 million in funding for the FY09 Port Security Grant Program later this year.
The Area Maritime Security Committee for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay is a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement and intelligence organizations; governmental, regulatory, public safety and emergency management agencies, commercial waterway users and others who are committed to improving the security of the maritime transportation system in the Delaware River and Bay area.
###
