FEMA announces FY2010 round of Port Security Grants
 
Today, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened up the FY2010 round of the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). Through this program, a total of $288 million will be awarded to ports to create sustainable, risk-based efforts to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism.  This funding amount is more than $100 million less than what was available for the PSGP FY2009. 

After extensive outreach to maritime stakeholders, FEMA has made significant changes to previous iterations of the PSGP.  The FY2010 round includes no cost-share, matching or cost participation.  This round also allows the use of FEMA preparedness grant funds for maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades, and user fees are allowable under all active and future grant awards, unless otherwise noted.  Under the guidelines, ports in Groups I and II will compete for funding within their designated Maritime Security Areas based on their risk analysis, while ports in Group III and "All Other Port Areas" will compete for funding within their corresponding groups. 
 
Detailed guidance and application kits are available at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/2010/fy10_psgp_guidance.pdf, and applications and instructions are available at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/UpdateOffer?id=15030.  Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59pm on February 12, 2010.  For additional information, contact the FEMA Grant Programs Directorate Call Center at 866-927-5646.