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Port of New Orleans Awarded FEMA Grant to Enhance Public Safety
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Port of New Orleans Awarded FEMA Grant to Enhance Public Safety
Over $2.5M in Port Security Grant funding awarded in the past three years
New Orleans — The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) today announced it was awarded $1,040,583 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Port Security Grant Program to invest in physical and technology upgrades that will enhance Harbor Police Department’s (HPD) surveillance network and provide critical equipment to help in their response to emergency incidents. Work must be completed by August 31, 2027.
In 2024, FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program awarded $90 million to agencies to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, major disasters, or other emergencies.
“We are grateful to FEMA for their ongoing support, which will continue to bolster our proactive security initiatives,” said 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.”
In 2023, Port NOLA was awarded $947,280 to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which serves as the command hub during hurricanes and other major incidents. The previous year, in 2022, it received $514,964 to enhance technology at the Harbor Police Department’s Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC). Altogether, Port NOLA has secured $2,502,827 in FEMA funding over the past three years to strengthen its security and emergency response capabilities.
Port NOLA continues to be a key partner in national security efforts, regularly collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to ensure that its facilities and operations meet the highest standards of safety and preparedness.
This latest grant reflects Port NOLA’ ongoing commitment to public safety, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of security advancements while supporting its mission to facilitate commerce and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
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 deep-water 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.
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, Louisiana State Police, and local law enforcement agencies.