Funding & Projects
To leverage more than $30 million for district projects secured through federal grants to improve the security infrastructure within the Houston Ship Channel Security District, the district will need $4 million in annual operations, maintenance and matching funds. About 125 potential members initially will fund the district. Members include maritime companies regulated by MTSA (Maritime Transportation Security Act), and refining, chemical and distribution companies that are members of the East Harris County Manufacturers Association. The Port of Houston Authority and Harris County also are members of the Houston Ship Channel Security District.
Additional funding will come through assessments and contributions from Houston Ship Channel Security District members. The steering committee recommends dividing members into membership categories based on various criteria, including size and appraised value of facility; number of employees; activity, traffic, tonnage, volume throughput of operations; security profile, etc.
Although potentially located within district boundaries, the following are examples of entities legislatively excluded from membership: residential property, most retail or service businesses, and utilities.
Projects
The district’s projects and services increased security and safety for facilities, employees and communities surrounding the Houston Ship Channel. An enhanced multi-layered security approach for waterside and landside facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, as well as for associated supply chain and support industry surrounding the Ship Channel community, increases preparedness and response capability to mitigate and eliminate potential security threats.
The improved infrastructure includes wireless and fiber optic-wired communications systems, software that analyzes video images, high-tech night vision and motion-activated detection equipment.It also includes land and water detection components, such as radar, sonar and security sensors.
District services include enhanced security capability, such as marked patrol boats, marked patrol cars and all-terrain vehicles.Information sharing, alerts and notifications will be improved through a consolidated multi-agency operational and strategic command and control emergency response structure.
Establishing the Baseline System
FY 05 – $17,016,895 (no match)
- Cameras, Radar, Wireless Network
- Command and Control Center (integrated analytics
and intelligent video software) - Patrol Boats, Underwater Swimmer Detection sets,
IED defeat interrogation systems
Local Function & Interoperability
FY 06 – $9,145,907 ($ 2,286,476
local match)
- Patrol Vehicles (trucks, SUVs, and automobiles)
- Additional Cameras, Fiber, and Security Sensor Packages
- Fusion Network Capability
- Enhanced Harris County Radio System
Expand to Surrounding Emergency Operations Centers & Ports
FY 07 – $6,749,282 ($1,687,320 local
match)
- Video Conferencing & data sharing with Regional Partners
- 4-wheeled all-terrain vehicles for pursuit, capture & mitigation
- Fusion Networking Capability
- License Plate Recognition/Mobile Radiation Detection Capability
Project #1 – Small Craft Intruder and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection and Prevention
Project #2 – Facility Boundary Road Intruder Detection,Prevention and Response
Project #3 – Prevention and Detection of Underwater IED Attacks
Project #4 – Security Patrol Boats for Waterborne Patrol of Facilities
Project #5 – Sensors, Detectors, and IED Mitigation Equipment