The federal Department of Transportation (DOT) last month announced that it had awarded grants totaling $92.3 million to 51 seaports for projects aimed at improving security.

According to the DOT, $78 million will fund security improvements in port facilities and operations. Another $5 million will pay for studies of ports' vulnerability to terrorist attacks and ways to counter those weaknesses. The grants also provide $9.3 million for what the department calls "proof of concept" projects that will test new technologies such as electronic seals and automated systems for vessel tracking.

Congress provided funding for the grants to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for security in all modes of transportation. TSA, along with the federal Maritime Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard, reviewed project applications and is administering the grant program.

The grants are just one of a number of efforts aimed at improving port security. The Interagency Container Working Group, which includes DOT and U.S. Customs, has made recommendations for improving the security of cargo containers as they move through the intermodal transportation system. In addition, DOT's Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office recently completed a test of electronic seals. DOT also is working with the International Maritime Organization to facilitate cross-border shipping of legitimate cargo while preventing illegal or dangerous shipments. Another DOT initiative is developing a nationwide identification system for transportation workers.