The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has been awarded a substantial $1,040,583 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Port Security Grant Program. This funding is earmarked for significant upgrades to both the physical infrastructure and technological capabilities of the Harbor Police Department’s (HPD) surveillance network. Additionally, the grant will facilitate the acquisition of crucial equipment necessary for emergency response operations. All funded upgrades are mandated to be completed by August 31, 2027.

In 2024, FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program distributed a total of $90 million to various entities, with the objective of strengthening the security of vital port infrastructure against threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

"We are grateful to FEMA for their ongoing support, which will continue to bolster our proactive security initiatives," stated Ronald Wendel, Jr., Acting President and CEO of Port NOLA and Acting CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). "The safety of our community and the protection of critical infrastructure remain top priorities, and this is a significant step forward in safeguarding our port operations and the people who depend on them."

This recent award follows previous successful grant applications. In 2023, Port NOLA received $947,280 to enhance its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the central command hub during hurricanes and other major incidents. The year prior, the port secured $514,964 to upgrade technology at the Harbor Police Department’s Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC). Over the past three years, Port NOLA has demonstrated a strong track record in securing significant funding for its security enhancements.