Congressman Jackson Secures $1.2 Million

To Increase Security at Port of Chicago

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. today announced the awarding of a $1,229,500 federal grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the Illinois International Port District’s Port of Chicago to improve access controls and install a new perimeter security system.

"This grant will improve maritime security in Chicago and across the Great Lakes," Jackson said. "It’s part of an ongoing effort to secure our nation’s highways, railways, waterways and pipelines, each of which is vital to ensuring our freedom of mobility and economic growth."

The grant was one of 442 port-security projects funded today for a total of $179 million by the Department, Jackson said.

Specifically, the money will help pay for a comprehensive security plan for the Port District’s commercial shipping facilities, both at Lake Calumet and at the mouth of the Calumet River, which is mandated by the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act. The Port District has been working with security consultants for the past year to develop the plan, which will include securing the entire perimeter and using state-of-the-art electronic surveillance, detection and monitoring equipment to protect the Port and the region from terrorism.

"We could not possibly meet this mandate without this money, so we’re very grateful for the Congressman’s leadership and the support of the entire Illinois delegation. Chicago should not only be the best inland port in American, but also the safest," said Anthony Ianello, Executive Director of the Illinois International Port District.

In addition to these awards, Homeland Security awarded $170 million from the FY’03 budget from the Port Security Grant Program in June and $75 million in port security grants for specific projects through the Office for Domestic Preparedness in May 2003.