Thread: Security Upgrade $$ for Port Canaveral

A Press release from the Port Authority (Port Canaveral):

DHS Grants Canaveral $2.8 Million for Security Upgrades

Port Gets Its Largest Amount Ever

May 11, 2007


Port Canaveral will develop a new port-wide radio communications system, as well as construct the first phase of a new Emergency Operations Center on the Port’s north side with its $2.8 million grant awarded in the latest round of Port Security Grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is the largest grant DHS has awarded to Port Canaveral and almost double the previous high amount received in 2002.

“Few things are as important as the ability to communicate across and between our several layers of internal and external security,” says Stan Payne, CEO of Port Canaveral. “Our new system, combined with changes we’ve already made, will increase our effectiveness both in everyday operations and in times of crisis.”
Nearly $1.8 million of this year’s grant will help Port Canaveral fund the state-of-the-art radio communications network. The remaining $1 million will provide initial financial support for a new Emergency Operations Center on the Port’s north side.

“The location reflects the need for emergency and operational services closer to our major cruise terminals and closer to our rapidly growing cargo operations.”

More to follow ...

Since the first round of grants in 2002, Port Canaveral has received a total of $6.5 million, including this latest amount.

“We are pleased with this additional funding,” says Tom Goodson, chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. “It supports the Port Authority’s continued efforts to protect the people who work at and visit Port Canaveral.”

The Department of Homeland Security funding for seaports this year totaled $202 million. It was divided among 183 public and private ports, including Canaveral.
“Home to NASA and Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral is a strategic part of the Space Coast economy and vital to our national security,” says Florida Congressman Dave Weldon, whose district includes Port Canaveral. “Particularly since 9/11, one of my top priorities has been to ensure that the Port is better protected against terrorist attacks.”

According to U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney, who represents Brevard County in which the Port district resides, "Port security is one of the most critical, yet overlooked aspects of our homeland security. I am pleased that DHS increased funding to Port Canaveral, the second busiest cruise port in the world and one which sees four million tons of commercial shipping each year. This grant will improve the ability of Canaveral to continue to be on the front lines of our country's maritime border defense, and in turn decrease any vulnerabilities.”

That is really awesome news, thanks Sheila!!

I am on the port authority's mailing list, so I will keep passing on anything significant. Several days late this time, but I am still getting caught up from being away for so long!

Good it will be interesting to see the changes!! Last year Roger drove us right in and got real close to the ship, but at the last minute a guy had us turn left!! I was surprised!!

It's still the quickest and easiest port for boarding we have found. Galveston wasn't too bad, though

I can't wait!!

Thanks for the updates!

The safer the better! We'll be sailing out of Port Canaveral in January. It's a very EASY port for us.

We'll be sailing out of Port Canaveral 9/1. Only sailed from there once before and that was in 2000. Looking forward to the improvements since that cruise.