PORT OF LOS ANGELES RECEIVES $6.56 MILLION IN
ROUND SEVEN FEDERAL PORT SECURITY GRANTS

Port Tenants and Service Providers Receive an Additional $1.46 Million in Grants

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 10, 2007 – The nation’s busiest containerport, the Port of Los Angeles, received $6.56 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Port Security grants this week.  An additional $1.46 million was awarded to businesses operating in the Port of Los Angeles.  Round Seven grants totaled $202.27 million nationwide, and the Port of Los Angeles grant was the fifth largest grant awarded to a single entity behind the Port of Tacoma, Lower Mississippi River Portwide Strategic Security Council, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

“The Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport complex is a critical asset to the nation’s economic infrastructure, and must be protected,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “This grant money will allow us to strengthen our ports which are moving the goods that are moving the national economy.”

The $6.56 million in funding earmarked for the Port of Los Angeles in this latest round of security grants will be used for waterside surveillance system enhancements, command & control center system integration, and communications system infrastructure. In the first seven rounds of grants, the Port of Los Angeles applied for a total of $163.03 and has been awarded $37.76 million.  “This latest grant will allow us to accelerate our strategic security plan for the Port of Los Angeles,” said Port Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Captain John Holmes.  “We are committed to making the Port of Los Angeles the safest port in the nation.”

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles – A Cleaner Port. A Brighter Future.