The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has been awarded $1,040,583 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Port Security Grant Program. This grant will be used to upgrade the Harbor Police Department’s (HPD) surveillance technology and equip them with essential resources to respond more effectively to emergencies. The project is expected to be completed by August 31, 2027.
This is part of FEMA’s broader initiative, which allocated $90 million in 2024 to safeguard port infrastructure from potential threats, including terrorism and natural disasters. The funding is critical in ensuring that major U.S. ports, like New Orleans, continue to operate securely and efficiently under any circumstances.
“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 the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). He emphasized that protecting both the community and key infrastructure remains a top priority for the port. Wendel sees this funding as a major step toward strengthening the safety of the port’s operations and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it.
In addition to this latest grant, Port NOLA has secured over $2.5 million in FEMA funding over the past three years to enhance its security operations. In 2023, the port received $947,280 to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which functions as the main control center during hurricanes and other crises. The year before, in 2022, Port NOLA was awarded $514,964 to improve technology at the Harbor Police Department’s Maritime Security Operations Center (MSOC).
Port NOLA’s ongoing collaboration with agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard underscores its role in national security. These partnerships help ensure that the port meets stringent safety and preparedness standards, essential for both local economic stability and national commerce.
The latest FEMA grant represents another step in Port NOLA’s continued efforts to remain at the cutting edge of security measures while fostering growth in the region.
