Grant moves 3 Port Manatee security projects forward

   Florida’s Port Manatee has been awarded a $1,837,500 security grant, allowing it to move ahead with three projects.
   The award, the second-highest for any Florida port in the latest round of grants offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, allows full funding for each of the projects named in the port’s request, which includes a required 25-percent match.
   The projects include: 

• South Gate modernization to enable safe and efficient handling of project cargo and processing of all cargo and vehicle data at the gate.
• Upgrades and new equipment for the Port Security Emergency Communication Center.
• Purchase of new geographic information system software to manage traffic patterns, as well as better identify and plan critical infrastructure.

   “We are thankful to receive full funding to enhance security at Port Manatee, as it is crucial in continuing the growth of the port,” said David St. Pierre, Port Manatee’s director of seaport security, in a statement.