The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Port of Hueneme has been awarded $1.68 million in the Port Security Grant Program FY20 Funding Cycle. Aimed to achieve the goal of a secure and resilient nation, the funding will aid the Port in modernizing their security, including improvements to the main gate entrance, and upgrading the Port’s CCTV surveillance system with cutting-edge technology. This year’s grant is the largest security grant the Port has received in its 83 year history.

“I would like to thank our Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her help in bringing this funding home to our Port,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Ramirez. “This grant will go a long way in helping us keep our harbor and Port safe for our commercial customers and the adjacent Navy Base for years to come.”

“The Port of Hueneme is among the most critical economic drivers in Ventura County and Southern California,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Port security funding is a vital component of ensuring security and safety at the Port, and I am pleased the Port is receiving this funding.”

Handling over $9.5 billion in cargo from all over the world, the Port serves as an official port of entry into the United States. As such, the complex must maintain the highest levels of security to monitor those entering and leaving the facility.

“This funding is critical to keeping the Port’s security on the cutting-edge,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director. “These federal dollars will not only go to building new security infrastructure improvements, but they will be built under our Project Labor Agreement, creating jobs for our local workforce.”

The federal funding will also be used to assist with the state’s largest annual joint security exercise, Coastal Trident. Hosted at the Port each year, this exercise brings together local, state, and federal emergency response teams to enhance their collaboration and communication in times of crisis.

Mike Morrison, the Port’s Operations Manager, explained that “our Port is focused on providing the most advanced security we can to keep our cargo and the surrounding community safe. Many of the new security improvements will also enhance our efficiency on Port, reducing wait times for trucks at our main gate and assisting with monitoring operational activity throughout the complex.”