Ports receive federal grants to upgrade their security

The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority has been awarded $346,475 in grant money by the Department of Homeland Security to beef up security along three Mississippi River ports in Southeast Missouri.

According to SEMO Port executive director Daniel Overbey, the awarded amount was actually a third of that originally requested by the ports to fund installation of video surveillance and alarm systems. He said that the money allocated will be used to go a little more low-tech, installing fencing and lighting for increased security. However, he is pleased with the announcement.

"We're fortunate to be in an area that is not as prone to crime and vandalism as some of the other big city ports," Overbey said. However, he said the increased emphasis on port security nationwide is spurring some of these changes.

The Southeast Missouri, New Madrid County and Pemiscot County port authorities will split the funds. In Scott City, SEMO Port and its subsidiary SEMO Port Railroad will share $118,180. New Madrid and Pemiscot will receive $168,180 and $60,000, respectively. All will use the funds for fencing and lighting.

In Scott City, the fencing will only be installed in areas that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism. Specifically, fencing will go up around the south end of the port near Scott County Road 301 and along the railroad.

As for the lighting, Overbey said that his organization will be working with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources to ensure its installation will incorporate a balance between security and sensitivity to the surrounding wildlife. He said the lights will be focused only on needed areas and away from the wooded hillside and wetland areas around the port.

With that in mind, Overbey estimates that the project will begin in late this year or early 2005, once the project is planned, approved and bid out.

trehagen@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137