By Art Marroquin Staff Writer

Calif. — The Department of Homeland Security has awarded grants to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, along with several shipping terminals and local law enforcement agencies, officials announced Monday.

The Port of Los Angeles received a $6.9 million grant to purchase two port police boats, strengthen backup computer systems and complete a fiber-optic system that will connect the port's terminals with local law enforcement agencies.

Another $2.88 million was set aside for the neighboring Port of Long Beach, according to the DHS's Federal Emergency Management Agency. In total, DHS allocated more than $1.38 billion worth of port security grants across the country.

Full story: Ports of L.A., Long Beach get Homeland Security grants