Canada begins new round of port security grants

Canada begins new round of port security grants    The Canadian government said it is accepting applications for a second round of port security grants. The money is designed to reimburse marine facilities for the cost adding perimeter security, access control, surveillance equipment and communications systems to protect ports and help comply with national and international marine transport regulations.
   Canada has made $115 million ($93 million) available over three years to help the private sector bolster security systems and programs at ports. In March, Transport Canada said it was dispersing almost $24 million to 69 ports and marine facilities.
   The amounts are small by U.S. standards, where a similar grant program is under fire from the port community for not covering enough of its expenses. The Department of Homeland Security has doled out about $735 million in four years.
   The deadline for the second round of applications is June 15.