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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Amy Hagovsky**

**June 11, 2003 202-228-1122**

**[http://mikulski.senate.gov]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}**MIKULSKI AND SARBANES ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR**

**INCREASED SECURITY AT PORT OF BALTIMORE**

Washington, D.C. -- **Senators Barbara A. Mikulski** and **Paul S.
Sarbanes** today announced Maryland will receive \$4.34 in federal
funding to improve security at the Port of Baltimore. The funding was
awarded by the Department of Homeland Security through the
Transportation Security Administration's Port Security Grant Program.

"I've been fighting to upgrade our Port for more than 20 years," said
Senator Mikulski. "For years it was fixing the twists and turns in our
channels that were a safety risk. Today it's threats that were
unthinkable years ago. Keeping our Port and our people safe from
terrorism is one of my top priorities. This funding is a downpayment. I
will continue to work with Senator Sarbanes to make sure Maryland gets
its fair share of federal funding for homeland security."

"While we have funneled massive amounts of money into airport security,
our ports continue to pose a threat to potential terrorist activities,"
said Sarbanes. "These funds are critical in protecting the Port of
Baltimore and its surrounding neighborhoods as we seek to help combat
terrorism on land, sea and in the air."

**Maryland Port Administration - \$3.17 million**

The MPA requested this funding to install a remote video surveillance
system to help police immediately respond to intrusions, suspicious
activities, and crimes. They are also working to create a centralized
security checkpoint and automated "port pass" system to improve security
at the Seagirt Terminal. Additional needs include a 32-foot patrol boat
for use by the Maryland Transportation Authority's Police Port
detachment and enhanced terminal perimeter security using a fiber-optic
intrusion detection system that will allow terminal perimeters to be
monitored from a central location.

**City of Baltimore - \$750,000**

This money can be used for patrol boats, high tech systems to improve
cargo security, video surveillance equipment, or additional guards to
secure our piers.

**CNX Marine Terminals, Inc. - \$420,438**

Funding could be used for new perimeter fencing, security and
surveillance equipment, or personnel training.

**- more -**

These grants were awarded by the Department of Homeland Security through
the Transportation Security Administration's Port Security Grant
program. Of the \$170 million in federal funding for this program, \$150
million was included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Omnibus appropriations bill
and \$20 million was included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Supplemental
legislation.

Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes have been strong advocates for increased
funding for the Port of Baltimore. In 2002, they secured \$3.76 million
in port security grants for Maryland including \$3.26 million for the
Maryland Port Administration to add guards and install lights and
fencing at the loading docks, as well as implement cargo-screening
procedures. They also secured \$500,000 for the City of Baltimore for
weather-proof boats to provide 24-hour security in the Port.

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