Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded County of Chatham a $495,393 Project Grant under the Port Security Grant Program (CFDA 97.056) on September 1, 2025, with a completion date of August 31, 2028. This 36-month award supports maritime security enhancements at the Port of Savannah, Georgia. The Port Security Grant Program funds state, local, and private maritime sector partners to enhance security at critical national seaports and terminals against terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies through planning, operational, equipment, training, and exercise (POETE) activities.

While specific project deliverables are not detailed in the award documentation, funded activities under this program typically include patrol vessels, communications and surveillance equipment, cybersecurity enhancements, security personnel hiring, security plan development, maritime security training, and maritime security exercises. County of Chatham, an experienced federal grant recipient with a demonstrated track record managing complex funding mechanisms across multiple agencies, will implement these maritime security initiatives to strengthen operational readiness and protective capabilities at the Port of Savannah.