The Sheriff’s Office intends to use 2016 Port Security Grant funding to purchase equipment and pay for maintenance to further enhance the security capabilities established with previous Port Security Grants. The 2016 Port Security Grant funding will provide the Sheriff’s Office and critical facilities with increased reconnaissance, surveillance, and detection capabilities to better respond to potential threats and incidents; fill capability shortfalls and further integrate our capabilities with the U.S. Coast Guard and allied jurisdictions; and provide for the purchase of essential equipment. The initial funding will allow for the Office of the Sheriff to purchase side scan sonars for underwater search and recovery operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the critical importance of the Port of Richmond, the petroleum and chemical production and distribution facilities, bridges, and other infrastructure in Contra Costa County. The ports, rails, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure in the vicinity of the littoral plain will benefit from additional security efforts afforded through the 2016 Port Security Grant. The Port of Richmond is ranked number three in the State of California for total trade behind Los Angeles and Long Beach with 24,743,520 tons of cargo each year. The Port ranks number one in liquid bulk and automobile tonnage among Bay Area ports. The County has more than 200 miles of linear coastline that includes waterways that provide access to the Ports of Richmond and Stockton. The commuter bridges of the County carry more than 305,000 automobiles per day. The rail bridge connecting Contra Costa and Solano Counties carry passenger, military cargo, automobiles, and a wide variety of other cargo. The increased capabilities made available through the 2016 Port Security Grant will enable the Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced security deterrence, patrol and response, and multi-agency coordination necessary to secure critical sites and infrastructure and thus deter attack and protect life, property and prosperity.
Negative action on this request would not allow the Office of the Sheriff Coroner to receive reimbursement from the 2016 Port Security Grant.