Port of Los Angeles Applying for $30 Mln. in Security Grants

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he Port of Los Angeles said June 22 it had submitted proposals for $30 million in grants from the Department Homeland Security grants to help with security measures at the port.

The port’s grant application includes funding for surveillance and access control systems, port-wide security system networks, explosives detection equipment and the next phase of a joint container inspection facility.

The application includes cost-sharing by the port of 25%, or $7.5 million, the port said in a statement. Los Angeles and the neighboring Port of Long Beach make up the nation’s largest port complex.

“We submitted a very comprehensive grant application package that will fund several core programs to reduce the risk of security breaches,” said George Cummings, the port’s security director.

The latest round in security grants comes at a time when the port is implementing two technologies: radiation portal monitors and “Safe” (Secure Around Flotation Equipped) Boats.

The radiation detectors are being installed at container terminals at the port by DHS’s Customs and Border Protection agency, and trucks leaving the terminals with containers pass through the monitors.

If a container registers an abnormal radiation level, the truck carrying it is pulled aside for additional screening and inspection.