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Bridgeport, Conn., Port Authority Gets $1.4 Million Grant for Ferry Security

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 September 2005, 00:00 CDT

Sep. 14--WASHINGTON -- The Bridgeport (Conn.) Port Authority will receive nearly $1.4 million in federal funds to guard ferry passengers against improvised explosive devices.

The grant was announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, which is sending nearly $142 million to 36 port cities this year.

"These grants provide an-other layer of security to help protect ports from terrorism, safeguard nearby communities and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Joseph Riccio, executive director of the Bridgeport Port Authority, said the funds would be used to deal "with the whole issue of improvised explosive devices." The grant will be used to purchase chemical, biological and explosive screening stations for ferry passengers, undercarriage inspection and screening equipment for vehicles, and equipment that can detect underwater threats and explosive devices.

"We will be very well pre-pared and positioned to meet our security needs," Riccio said.

Riccio expects to complete the security upgrades within the next year. Currently, the authority is using a $2.9 million grant it received earlier from Homeland Security to install lighting and video surveillance equipment at its Water Street facility and dock, as well as at the Bridgeport Regional Mari-time Authority. The latter, located at the former CarTech site, is also getting new fencing.

"This money is absolutely essential to maintaining the safety and security of our state and its people," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. "In addition to being a major ferry terminal moving thousands of people and vehicles, Bridgeport is a major center for the importation of perishable goods. This is welcome news." Bridgeport operates three ferries that transported nearly 900,000 passengers and 500,000 vehicles last year -- making it one of the busiest ferry systems in the nation.

"Our waterways are crucial to the economy in our region, so we need to take every step to keep them secure," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4. "This grant will go a long way to help the Bridgeport Port Authority improve their surveillance and detection capabilities to help keep the port safe." Bridgeport Mayor John M. Fabrizi praised the congressional delegation for helping secure the grant.

"Once again, our federal delegation has done an out-standing job of securing much needed Homeland Security funds to protect these regional assets," he said. "Bridgeport's harbor is integrally connected to key transportation infra-structure -- the port, train, bus, and highways all converge in this central area, therefore protecting the port becomes even more essential." Sens. Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, both D-Conn., also welcomed news of the grant.

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Source: Connecticut Post

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