The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) has been awarded $1.6 million in the most recent round of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Port Security Grant Program.
In a statement, the MDOT MPA said the funding will go towards solidifying cybersecurity and access control policies and initiatives at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore’s state-owned public marine terminals.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said, ““As the Port of Baltimore continues to grow and expand, our administration is committed to ensuring it remains one of the most secure ports in the nation.
“Cybersecurity is a growing concern in our world, and this funding will help the Port of Baltimore protect itself against significant cyber threats.”
In late July, Governor Hogan convened a cybersecurity summit in Annapolis to highlight federal, state, and private sector efforts to protect America’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Since 2005, the Port of Baltimore’s public terminals have received more than $20 million in the Port Security Grant Program.
Over that period, the Port has significantly enhanced its security program by upgrading access control procedures, installing physical security fixtures such as high-mast lighting and fencing, and strengthening closed-circuit television.
For 12 consecutive years, the Port’s public marine terminals have received a top rating on an annual security assessment conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said, “Security is critical to the maritime industry, and the Port of Baltimore has the reputation as a safe and secure place for our workers and customers.
“As the Port continues to lead the way in Maryland’s economic recovery, this grant will help us make security an even stronger focus in our day-to-day operations.”
MDOT MPA Executive Director William P. Doyle also commented, “We thank FEMA for this grant and for helping make the Port of Baltimore a stronger and more secure seaport.
“We will continue to aggressively go after federal port security grants that will protect the thousands of men and women who work at the Port of Baltimore and protect the tens of millions of tons of cargo that we handle annually.”
