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June 18, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORT OF BEAUMONT WINS $560,000 IN PORT SECURITY GRANTS

BEAUMONT, TX - The Port of Beaumont will receive $560,000 in federal funding to help boost port security. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced the award of $92.3 million in grants to 51 ports located throughout the nation to enhance the security of marine facilities. Port of

Beaumont Executive Director Chris Fisher said the grant will fund additional security lighting and camera surveillance equipment. "The receipt of this grant is a reflection of the strategic role the Port of Beaumont plays in the transportation of military equipment and other cargo that is vital to national security," Fisher said.

Earlier this year, the Port of Beaumont applied for $1,080,000 in grant funding for various types of security resources. The port plans to seek other sources of funding for the remaining security enhancement projects. Congress provided funding for the grant program to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for security in all modes of transportation. TSA, along with the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard, reviewed project applications and is administering the grant program.

A total of 857 project applications totaling $691.5 million were received for the program. Initial awards for 77 grants to fund 140 individual projects were made with available funding. Other Texas ports to receive grants included Houston, Texas City, Galveston and Corpus Christi. Congress is currently debating the release of additional port security funding, including another $75 million in grants.

For More Information, contact Port of Beaumont, 409/835-5367

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