Port of Hueneme, California - The Port of Hueneme was recently awarded $360,000 of Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) funding through the Department of Homeland Security, an increase over the last three years. Since 2015, the Port has received over $1.24 million in federal PSGP funding. As Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District noted, “the Port of Hueneme recognizes the importance of a safe and secure Port to the communities we serve. The Port Security Grant award provides critical funding to enhance our security systems while our commerce creates jobs and social and economic benefit.” The $360,000 in funding will go toward security enhancements at the Port including cutting edge surveillance video cameras, license plate readers, motion detection sensors, and infrastructure to support the newest security technologies.<

“Continuing to advocate for additional funding to secure our nation’s seaports is paramount to our local and national security, specifically for Ports with a shared Naval harbor like the Port of Hueneme,“ stated Jess Herrera, Vice President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “We not only have the commercial cargo to protect, but we collaborate with the Navy to make certain their military cargo and neighboring operations are secure as well.”

A regional agency tests an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Port of Hueneme’s dive tank as part of the MAST program.

Elements of the Port’s collaboration takes place through their Costal Trident and Maritime Advanced Systems & Technology Laboratory (MAST). These two programs run year-round, marrying together the implementation of state-of-the-art technology with port security at an annual expo each May. The PSGP funding has historically played a role in supporting exercises for these programs.

The Port acknowledges the work of Congresswoman Julia Brownley along with the rest of the United States Congress in approving $100 million annually in funding to secure our nation’s seaports for the past five years.

“The Port Security grants are so important to the health of our Port ecosystems and Congresswoman Julia Brownley repeatedly stands out as a champion in both ensuring the Port Security Grant Program continues and that funding comes back to Ventura County for robust security initiatives and technologically advanced surveillance controls. We are grateful for her leadership,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director for the Port of Hueneme.