New round of port security funding announced

New round of port security funding announced The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award about $852.4 million under its fiscal year 2008 Infrastructure Improvement Program to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.
   The program includes $388.6 million for ports, with specific amounts earmarked for various large ports around the country.
   DHS reports that the deadline for applications for the funds is March 17 at 11:59 pm EST. The announcement of winners will be made in the spring.
   Grants will be administered to assist ports with projects for:
   ' Maritime domain awareness.
   'Access control credentialing systems (including hardware and administration for the Transportation Worker Identification Card, but not the fee for the card).
   ' Capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to and recover from a terrorist attack.
   ' Training and exercises.
   ' Risk management and collaboration to implement federal plans.
   DHS is also providing $15.5 million in grants for the Highway Watch program that trains truckers about antiterrorism and security awareness and how to notify a special call center.
   A Freight Rail Security Grant Program provides $15 million to help railroads improve security plans, conduct vulnerability assessments and provide employee security awareness training.
   Additional information can be found at: www.fema.gov/government/grant/index.shtm.