US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the release of $150 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for port security. She stated the stimulus grants "will enhance the resiliency of our critical infrastructure and improve our emergency response capabilities by supporting risk-based initiatives integral to our national security."

The stimulus grant funds will further enhance the ability of America's seaports to protect their critical infrastructure while creating jobs and stimulating the economy at a time when the nation needs it most, said Kurt Nagle, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities. "As our lifeline to world trade and part of our nation's ‘water borders,' seaports must be secure," said Nagle. "These grants help protect America's ports as well as provide jobs and aid our economic recovery."