The Port of Los Angeles tried to float a big security idea -- and float it did. The Board of Harbor Commissioners for the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports announced today that it has approved spending for waterborne (floating) security barriers.
The barriers, which will be designed, fabricated and delivered by Siemens, will cost $2.9 million, and 10,000 feet of barriers will be delivered. The Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will each receive 5,000 feet of security barriers, which can be used to block certain attacks and demarcate a control line. The barriers are not expected to be used on an ongoing basis, but only during high-risk/high-alert periods.
The funding for the security barriers comes from a TSA grant. Los Angeles' port, incidentally, has been TSA funded for security to the tune of $26.6 million. That money has been spent on harbor patrol boats, an emergency interoperable communications vehicle/center, and a study to develop a container inspection facility. Also in the works is a camera surveillance system, a vehicle screening system and additional perimeter security spending.
