Port wins half-million dollar grant

The Port's news release credits U.S. Senator Patty Murray for championing what the release calls "strong national funding for port security to be included in the Recovery Act."

In a prepared statement, Murray said "As we work to create jobs and reinvest inWashington State, it is vital that our ports remain secure and open for business." She added "These grants are critical to ensuring that our state's ports employ the right technology and training methods to help prevent possible attacks."

The Port's Executive Director Bob Hyde said "We will now move quickly to design and construct these important facilities on the marine terminal." He praised the work of 2 Port employees, John Hachey, Director of Operations & Facilities, as well as Teri Switalski, Engineering Office Manager & Contract Grant Administrator, for securing the new grant.

The Port applied for the $575,155 grant several months ago under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Port Security Grant Program for Infrastructure Protection Activities.