TAMPA, Fla.—Port Tampa Bay is pleased to announce that its application for grant funding for three projects through FEMA’s Seaport Security Grant Program has been fully funded for the amount of $1,688,475.
This important grant award will fund three projects at the port that will allow the port to advance its security with upgraded and new equipment.
The projects to be funded with grant monies—and the port’s required 25% match—will be a new public safety complex on Hooker’s Point; a new port security boat and ramp, to be a shared asset between the port authority and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other related pier and waterside improvements; and a new tower for security equipment, which will stand in excess of 100 feet tall when completed.
Port Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay area did very well in this year’s funding program through FEMA, said Mark Dubina, the port’s vice president of security. “It’s very gratifying that we have received the funding that we applied for, and we will use the money and our match for the betterment of the port, the businesses and waterways that surround the port,” Dubina said.
“Safety and security are of paramount importance to all of us here at the port, and we are very pleased to have received this critical funding for our port security projects. We are extremely thankful to the federal government for recognizing the needs of ports that serve the needs of millions of people and deliver economic benefit to the communities we serve. This funding will go a long way toward making Port Tampa Bay even more vigilant and prepared. Additionally, these projects will deepen our partnership with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, who are very important to our security in and around the port on a day-to-day basis,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.
About Port Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 80,000 jobs and generating almost $15 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. The port was recently voted “Simply the Best” for world-class customer service in a Logistics Management Magazine reader poll. For more information, visit www.portTB.com.
