Ports of Indiana received two grants from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen security infrastructure and assessment capabilities at its Burns Harbor and Jeffersonville ports.
The plan provides funding to state and municipal entities to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, site-wide security risk management, and maintain or reestablish maritime security mitigation protocols that support recovery and resilience capabilities.
The grants awarded to Ports of Indiana, totaling more than USD 140 thousand, will support crucial improvements and assessments that promote the safety and resilience of the state’s multimodal logistics network.
A federal grant of USD 115,691 will fund the acquisition and installation of advanced video surveillance infrastructure at the Port of Burns Harbor. The project includes the installation of new lighting and fiber optics, which will enhance surveillance capabilities. Ports of Indiana will contribute USD 38,564 to complete the project.
Meanwhile, FEMA will provide USD 25 thousand for an external security assessment at the Port of Jeffersonville, which will cover all aspects of physical and cybersecurity, identify vulnerabilities, recommend improvements, and develop a Facility Security Plan (FSP) tailored to the port’s operational needs. This project does not require matching funds.
“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to proactive security investment and operational excellence across all Indiana ports. We appreciate FEMA’s support in helping us strengthen infrastructure and safeguard the critical assets that drive economic growth,” said David Parrott, Chief Operating Officer of Ports of Indiana.
“Maintaining and improving the highest level of security at our ports is of utmost importance, given the relevance of Ports of Indiana to this state’s economy. We greatly appreciate FEMA recognizing this fact and supporting us in achieving this goal,” added Dan Henson, Security Manager of Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.
