The Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Port of Savannah more than $5 million for security upgrades, but the money won't flow to local beneficiaries right away.
D.H.S. changed the way it grants security money to the Savannah Port this year. Instead of awarding agencies based on projects, the Department gave the money to a research group, who'll dole it out only after a local committee has prioritized funding requests
Page Siplon of the Georgia Logistics Innovation Center says, Homeland Security still retains final approval.
"I think the most important part is that the local community, the local businesses, the local terminal operators and the Coast Guard all have a stronger voice in how that money is distributed," Siplon says.
Applicants including the Georgia Ports Authority will have to wait until October to submit applications. D.H.S. already has approved a separate request for surveillance and communications improvements at the Port of Brunswick.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Port security money now goes through local board
