The funds, part of the federal agency's Security Infrastructure Protection Program, are intended to support the work of increasing port-wide risk management.

Corpus Christi Caller-Times

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — More than $8 million in federal funds are up for grabs for companies that play a part in safekeeping the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Department of Homeland Security has more than $1.6 million available from 2007's Port Security Grant Program funds and more than $6.9 million available for this year. The funds, part of the federal agency's Security Infrastructure Protection Program, are intended to support the work of increasing port-wide risk management.

The funds are intended to assist ports in enhancing risk management capabilities; domain awareness; capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to and recover from attacks involving improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons; and training and exercises, according to the department's Web site.

"Any agency that provides support to the port is eligible," said Arch Archambo, the port's chief of police. "That includes agencies such as the sheriff's department, police department, emergency management organizations and fire departments."

The port is serving as fiduciary agent to the South Texas Area Maritime Security Committee for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi. The committee is a 10-member organization established to identify risks, determine strategies and develop a security plan for port security.

Deadline for submission for 2007 and 2008 funds is Sept. 22, although the deadline for this year's funds might be pushed back, Archambo said.

For more information, call 888-3162 ext. 501 or visit www.portofcorpuschristi.com/grants/psgp.htm

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