For Immediate Release
November 19, 2004

Port of Oakland's Board of Port Commissioners Accepts Federal Funding to Enhance Seaport Security
Two new seaport security projects funded by a federal seaport security grant and the Port

Oakland, Calif. (November 19, 2004 ) - Port of Oakland’s Board of Port Commissioners approved acceptance of a federal grant for two projects for improving seaport security at this week’s board meeting (Tuesday 11-16-04). In the 4th round of seaport security grants awarded by the Transportation Security Administration, the Port of Oakland received approximately $1.2 million.

Port Board President Patricia A. Scates stated, “It’s very important that we use all the resources available to us to help safeguard employees, visitors and the surrounding communities. We’re pleased to receive this federal grant, which gives us the opportunity to provide another layer of protection at the Port of Oakland.”

One of the security projects calls for a port-area-wide surveillance system. The other is for hardening a portion of the Port of Oakland’s utility infrastructure in the maritime area. Design of these projects is underway. The total cost of the projects is about $1.5 million of which the Port’s share is approximately $300,000.

Port General Manager of Maritime Ray Boyle remarked, “With 361 ports in the nation making requests, we did well in terms of the available funds as only $49 million was released in this recent round of federal grants.”

The Port of Oakland is the fourth largest containerport in the nation and moves some $26 billion worth of goods annually through the maritime facilities.

Port of Oakland Executive Director Jerry Bridges explains, “With the large need nationwide by ports and the small amount of federal funding available during each round of grants, projects generally approved have been focused on surveillance, access control and communication. With the money received to date we have been able to provide for a quality baseline level of security and reduce the vulnerability of our facilities.” Bridges added, “The Port of Oakland is committed to assuring the security of the Port's assets and the cargo interests it serves."

Contact:
Marilyn Sandifur
Manager Media/Public Relations
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com