The Port of Redwood City advances security measures against terrorism through $1.5 million grant

On Nov. 13, 2024, the Board of Port Commissioners accepted a $1.5 million grant through the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 's Port Security Grant Program. This investment will strengthen the Port’s protection against terrorism, such as security, surveillance, and first responder training.

“As a designated Federal Staging Area by FEMA, protecting our Port from terrorism requires continual advancements in surveillance and emergency operations” shared Port of Redwood City Executive Director Kristine Zortman. “We thank the federal Department of Homeland Security for their investment in Port infrastructure and systems that our region relies on.”    

This investment supports the following projects:

• Cybersecurity Infrastructure Power Vulnerability Assessment: Assessing current cybersecurity infrastructure power vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.  

• Cybersecurity and Soft Target Protection Support Equipment: Installing advanced security equipment and an emergency notifications system.

• Exercise Support: Conducting the Port’s annual full-scale emergency exercise to achieve Area Maritime Security Plan (AMSP) capability targets.  

• DHS/FEMA Approved Training for Port Staff and First Responders: Implementing a vessel fire response and maritime-specific first responder training for Port staff and local first responders.

• 36’ Law Enforcement Patrol Vessel: Utilizing a 36’ law enforcement patrol vessel with various operational emergency equipment to monitor Port waters.

The DHS provides annual funding to port authorities, facility operators, state and federal local government agencies and other entities to promote sustainable risk-mitigation efforts to protect port infrastructure from terrorism. This year, DHS will provide $90 million to Port Security Grant Program recipients.

For more information on Port emergency operations, please visit www.redwoodcityport.com/safetyandsecurity.