Mercer Island, WA – Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) announced today that the Puget Sound Region will receive $26 million in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant program for port security. The funds will strengthen prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities.

“I’m pleased to see this funding dedicated towards keeping our citizens and our commerce safe,” said Reichert. “The effects of transportation accessibility loss can be seen in the current closing of Snoqualmie Pass, as estimates for the closure equal $700,000 per hour in lost commerce, from the shut down due to the harsh winter storm that has hit the region. Our ports must remain protected, to prevent any closure to the Ports from terrorist threats and of course to keep our people safe. An investment in port security is not only an investment in our economy, but the nation as a whole. An estimated 70% of cargo coming into the Port of Seattle alone effectively ends up going east of Washington State. The government has a responsibility to protect our citizens, and our nation’s leaders must work together in providing a strong, secure foundation for safety for businesses, consumers, and families to feel secure in their everyday lives and activities.”

The Port Security Grant Program will provide $26 million for the Puget Sound Region. This program supports sustainable, risk-based efforts to enhance access control and credentialing, protect against IED and other non-conventional attacks, and conduct disaster-response scenarios. These funds are awarded on the basis of risk and competition to eligible ports, as well as eligible ferry systems. In 2007, the region received $24 million. Specific funding for individual projects and ports will be set later this year.

Further information, including individual fact sheets on each program, is available at www.dhs.gov.

Congressman Reichert serves as the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment.

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