The Port of Long Beach has been awarded more than $2.6 million by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the secure movement of commerce at the nation's second-busiest port.

Long Beach, as the third-largest recipient of funds from the agency's Port Security Grant Program, plans to enhance cybersecurity, improve drone detection, and upgrade network infrastructure, supporting the efficient flow of cargo.

The Southern California port saw record container traffic in September and in the third quarter.

Homeland Security also awarded $4.2 million to six terminals at the port, the Long Beach Police Department's Port Police Division, and the Long Beach Fire Department.

"We thank the Department of Homeland Security for driving innovative security methods and increasing port capacity to protect the people and infrastructure responsible for moving cargo valued at more than $200 billion annually," said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Mario Cordero in a press release. "This grant will bolster the port's existing security systems and improve the reliability of our operations in the event of an emergency."

The grant will also help "secure the livelihoods of more than 2.6 million people whose jobs depend on port operations," Long Beach H