Courtney: $800,000 In Federal Grants For Coastal Security, Safety

WASHINGTON, DC —Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced the award of federal grants totaling more than $800,000 to seven eastern Connecticut firms, agencies, and municipalities to assist with coastal security and safety preparedness efforts. The seven grants were awarded to Cross Sound Ferry Services and Fishers Island Ferry District in New London, TowBoatUS in Mystic, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Stonington Police Department, the Groton Long Point Association, and the Town of East Lyme.

All grants were awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Port Security Grant program, and will assist agencies in obtaining the tools and resources needed to help maintain a safe and vibrant coastal community during the more highly trafficked summer months.

“Shorelines and waterways across the Second District see an uptick of activity during the busy summer season,” Courtney said.

“This year, while our communities are trying to safeguard public health while responsibly reopening, it’s even more important to make sure that the folks who patrol and safeguard our waterways have the support they need. COVID-19 adds an additional layer of complexity to our public health and safety officials’ mission, and these funds will give our firefighters, police officers, and other local safety officials who safeguard our maritime community the support they need to keep being effective. It’s great to see these funds coming home to eastern Connecticut.”

In New London, a federal grant of $24,839 will be awarded to Cross Sound Ferry Services, and a federal grant of $125,153 will be awarded to Fishers Island Ferry District. In Mystic, a federal grant of $7,880 will be awarded to TowBoastUS. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection will receive a federal grant of $317,979. The Stonington Police Department will receive a federal grant of $37,500. The Groton Long Point Association will receive a federal grant of $320,805. The Town of East Lyme will receive of federal grant of $11,721.

The DHS Port Security Grant program plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. To learn more, click here.

In April, Congressman Courtney wrote a letter to the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator for Long Island Sound in support of the Groton Long Point Volunteer Fire Department’s (VFD) application to the Port Security Grant Program, which today received a $320,805 grant award for the program. These funds will help replace Groton Long Point VFD’s fire and rescue vessel, which is a crucial tool in the department’s rescue operations. Read the letter below, and click here to read it online.

Wednesday, April 14, 2020

Captain Kevin B. Reed, USCG

Captain of the Port &

Federal Maritime Security Coordinator for Long Island Sound

120 Woodward Ave

New Haven, CT. 06512

Dear Captain Reed:

It is my honor to write to you today in endorsement of the Groton Long Point Volunteer Fire Department’s (VFD) proposal for the U.S. Maritime Administration’s FY2020 Port Security Grant Program. The Groton Long Point VFD, which serves as a crucial health and safety resource for its community, is seeking to replace its fire/rescue vessel, a necessary tool in a coastal community.

The Groton Long Point VFD is a collection of community volunteers who all embrace the same mission to serve the GLP community—as well as surrounding areas— in times of need. As Groton Long Point is centrally located in the Eastern Connecticut shoreline, it can offer its support in communities spanning the shoreline from Stonington all the way to Waterford. Historically, the Groton Long Point VFD’s search/rescue boat has allowed the VFD to aid communities in search and rescue missions, firefighting, and support in EMS services. As the current vessel reaches the end of its window of viability, it is apparent how essential its swift replacement is.

Beyond the community support it offers, the Groton Long Point VFD’s use of their fire/rescue boat protects soft targets such as the New London Harbor, ferry services, and local shipyards, all of which support the goals of the Port Security Program. In addition to community services the VFD provides, it also is a major element of support for the United States Coast Guard search and rescue events, which occur at all times throughout the calendar year. The VFD’s involvement in local safety efforts has outgrown the vessel itself—creating a need for a larger vessel to meet the increasing demand for aid throughout the Eastern Connecticut shoreline.

I fully support the Groton Long Point VFD’s application for funding for a replacement rescue/fire replacement vessel to support the safety and well-being of our shoreline communities, and greatly appreciate your time and thoughtful consideration.