WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced two grants for Northern Michigan totaling $276,985 to protect critical port infrastructure.  The funding was awarded to Chippewa County and the Beaver Island Boat Company in Charlevoix County by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Port Security Grant Program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“These grants will help us strengthen and protect critical infrastructure in two of our ports in Northern Michigan,” Stupak said.  “The safety and security of the Great Lakes is critical to the economic well being of Michigan.  I applaud Secretary Napolitano for investing in these projects that will help stimulate the economy while making us safer.”

The projects are as follows:

The Port Security Grant Program helps protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism; enhances maritime domain awareness and risk management capabilities; and supports the implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a tamper-resistant biometric credential issued to workers who require unescorted access to secure areas of ports and vessels.

In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs.

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