NEW ORLEANS –September 8, 2022 - The Port of New Orleans was recently awarded $514,964 in Port Security Grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to upgrade technology at the Harbor Police Department (HPD)’s Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC).

“This grant funding will strengthen our ability to provide proactive law enforcement services, patrols, anti-terrorism efforts, and investigative services,” said HPD’s Police Chief Melanie Montroll. “I am grateful for FEMA’s ongoing support in our homeland defense efforts.”

The MSOC provides surveillance and communications equipment necessary for operational coordination and critical information-sharing with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and other public safety agencies. The upgraded system will be secure for the current threat landscape and adaptable to meet evolving security needs. New MSOC technologies also align with the cybersecurity priorities set by the USCG Sector New Orleans Captain of the Port.

FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program provides $100 million to agencies to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

About HPD:

Port of New Orleans Harbor Police Department was granted the authority to enforce laws and perform police functions under Louisiana Revised Statutes 34:25 and 34:26. HPD is dedicated to providing law enforcement, safety and security throughout port property and waterways within the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction of Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. HPD’s mission is to contribute to homeland defense by ensuring the safe, secure and efficient flow of cargo and cruise passengers; and a safe, secure working environment for Port tenants, workers and visitors throughout the jurisdiction of Port NOLA. HPD works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies.

About Port NOLA:

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is a modern multimodal gateway for global commerce and an in-demand cruise port — delivering seamless, integrated logistics solutions between river, rail and road. Port NOLA is a diverse deepwater port uniquely located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico -- with access to 30-plus major inland hubs such as Dallas, Memphis, Chicago and Canada via 14,500 miles of waterways, 6 Class I railroads and interstate roadways. Strategic alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, a Class III connecting railroad, strengthens Port NOLA’s position as an integrated hub and supports the Port’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity.