PORT OF WILMINGTON, DE - Standing at the Port of Wilmington, where each year, more than 400 vessels carrying over 5 million tons of cargo come into Delaware, the State's Congressional Delegation announced today that three local agencies will receive a total of nearly $2 million in federal funds to upgrade facilities and enhance port security.
The funding comes from the Office of Homeland Security and breaks down as follows:
- $1,650,000 for the Diamond State Port Corporation to enhance perimeter security at the Port of Wilmington, better control access to the facilities and improve internal and external surveillance;
- $196,200 for Motiva Enterprises to conduct security enhancements around their pier and provide additional access control; and
- $94,200 for Delaware City Police Department to purchase a 22-foot Boston Whaler to allow for greater access and patrolling of chemical companies on the Delaware River.
At the press conference, Senators Biden and Carper and Congressman Castle were joined by Port Authority Chairman and Secretary of Transportation, Nathan Hayward; Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gene Bailey; and DE City Police Chief, Dan Tjaden.
"As a nation, we are only as safe as our most vulnerable places," said Biden. "And, unfortunately, our waterways, sea ports, and oil and chemical plants could be considered easy targets to those who mean us harm. We have to do everything we possibly can - from tightening access points to increasing patrols - to ensure that these facilities are safer and more secure."
"This money goes a long way to protect the waterways, oil and chemical plants, and most importantly the people of Delaware," said Carper. "Homeland security is a top priority. It's something we need to continuously focus on--not just at times of unrest but 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
Congressman Castle said, "This important federal commitment will help enhance the security and safety of the Port of Wilmington, the Delaware River waterway, and related infrastructure. This port is a critical national asset, and improving security is a national priority. The federal government is working to provide needed resources to ensure that our port is truly secure."
These grants, distributed through the Office of Homeland Security are specifically designed to help organizations assess vulnerabilities as they relate to access control, physical security, cargo security or passenger security.
