Port of Long Beach obtains $4.2 million grant to beef up security

The Port of Long Beach in California has been awarded a $4.2 million federal grant to help pay for physical and cyber security improvements.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the funds from the Port Security Grant Program. The funds will be used for security system maintenance, along with expanding and enhancing physical and cyber security capabilities, Port of Long Beach officials said in a press release.

"These funds are critical to maintaining our robust security program," said Mario Cordero, the port's executive director. "We are able to service and replace critical systems to keep our harbor safe from a wide variety of threats."

Long Beach was among 30 ports nationwide to receive grants totaling $100 million. The funds are awarded on a competitive basis to "protect commerce and strengthen security for maritime infrastructure and transportation," port officials said.

The Long Beach Police Department was awarded a separate $1,118,250 grant, while the Long Beach Fire Department received $315,000 through the Port Security Grant Program.