The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said the impact of the program is being diluted by spreading funds too broadly to cities, counties and state agencies that have few ties to ports and very low maritime threats. Law enforcement agencies should coordinate better with port authorities on grant applications, the association argued.

“Funding to local law enforcement needs to illustrate a stronger connection with the port complex to ensure the funds are being used for their intended purposes. There should be a letter of endorsement from the port authority if a regional authority is to receive a port security grant,” David Espie, director of security for the Port of Baltimore, testified before a joint committee hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Port security grants are part of the federal government’s national preparedness strategy of strengthening critical infrastructure against risks associated with terrorism and are administered by FEMA.

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