Port Fourchon receives $1 M for TWIC Implementation
(GALLIANO, LA) – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program has awarded the Port Fourchon/LOOP Port-Wide Area $1,000,033.00 in federal funds for TWIC Implementation. Five entities in the Port Fourchon area will receive funds for their facilities, including the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, LOOP, Cal Dive International, InterMoor, and John W. Stone Oil Distributors. These port tenants qualified for funding by following through with a grant application process offered through the Port Commission.
Port Commission President Larry Griffin is thrilled to see port tenants get federal funding. “After sticking with us through the tough times of the oil spill and drilling moratorium, our tenants deserve it. Getting grant money for TWIC is going to enhance security and make following regulations easier for all of us.”
The 2011 Port Security Grant Program’s focus was on TWIC, which is the Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential. The TWIC Implementation grant opportunity was offered to companies in the Port Fourchon area that are classified as Part 105, or secure marine facilities that must follow U.S. Coast Guard security rules, including restricted access by credentialed personnel only. The TWIC card is the nationally endorsed identification credential. Port Fourchon tenant companies that have Part 105 facilities were invited to attend a Stakeholder Outreach meeting in March of 2011 held by the Port Commission to discuss applying through the port for TWIC funding. All of the companies in Port Fourchon that completed the application process were approved for 100% funding.
Implementing new TWIC technology in port facilities means that security is tighter and more efficient. Port Fourchon Harbor Police will benefit from new TWIC equipment purchased with the Port Commission’s grant funds. Harbor Police Chief Jon Callais commented, “Hand-held TWIC card readers will allow Harbor Police to more easily monitor port entry checkpoints, especially during post-hurricane re-entry. Having port workers use their TWIC cards, which most port personnel are expected to carry, will help to streamline our security process.”
The TWIC Implementation project in the Port Fourchon area will not only purchase new equipment but also expand network connectivity between the Port and the participating facilities. This will allow the Port to gather data from the TWIC database, share security information with participating facilities, and implement new TWIC card reader equipment to ensure credentials are valid. Port Fourchon’s Director of IT, April Danos, who has been integral in getting these funds, said, “I am happy to see projects coming to fruition that will allow our Part 105 facilities the ability to begin integrating and sharing data with the Port. This will help us all to continue proactively ensuring the security of Port Fourchon.”
The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, as the port-wide area fiduciary agent, will administer the grant funds.