ToBay awarded Port Security Grant for harbor

The Town of Oyster Bay has been awarded a $207,750 grant from the Department of Homeland Security, under the Port Security Grant Program, it was announced by Town Supervisor John Venditto.

"The Port Security Grant Program funds security planning and projects to improve dockside and perimeter security," Supervisor Venditto stated. "Oyster Bay Harbor has a number of important resources, including Commander Oil, which make it a potential target.

With this grant money, the Town will purchase a 27-foot SAFE Boat International, including all the safety equipment required by federal, State, OSHA and USCG laws. Additionally, the Town will purchase both mobile and portable radios to enhance communication capabilities for Town security personnel and to better communicate with the Nassau County Police and its Marine/Aviation Bureau Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies involved in homeland and port security. The project will be administered by the Town's Department of Public Safety.

SAFE Boat International manufactures boats for use in a wide variety of applications, including military and law enforcement. The company specializes in fast, custom-built boats that are foam stabilized through a patented system. The Town has already purchased one SAFE Boat, a 27-foot full cabin model, which is being used for patrol on both the north and south shores of the Town.

"Under the blanket of 'homeland security,' port security efforts are continually being stepped up due to the inherent vulnerability of ports as potential terrorist targets," Supervisor Venditto stated. "Drugs and illegal aliens have routinely been smuggled into the U.S. for decades in boats, and this same pathway is a potential port security hole that can be exploited by terrorist organizations. The fact that Oyster Bay Harbor is also easily accessible by land only increases its vulnerability. Being awarded this grant by Homeland Security means the federal government sees the need for additional security measures in and around the harbor. The grant will facilitate a greater coordinated presence in Oyster Bay Harbor and in the security issues involved in all Town-owned and privately owned facilities that border the harbor."

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