The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department has been formally awarded $623,489.00 as part of the United States Homeland Security Port Security Grant Program for 2016.  As one of many award recipients, this grant funding will be utilized for the purpose of increasing emergency preparedness and response to maritime incidents in the region. Of the total FEMA grant award, the funds will be applied to training, personnel and staffing, maintenance costs, and communication equipment. The training is designed to prepare every member of the agency for marine operations so a true 24×7 response is available.  Much needed communication upgrades will assist with the day-to-day communications when operating with other New Jersey, New York County and New York City Police, Fire, and EMS operating by Land, Sea or Air.By deploying a comprehensive Marine Operations Bureau in the area, members of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department are able to provide proactive patrol of hard and soft critical infrastructure targets, prevent and respond to environmental emergencies, and provide services to the maritime community including pleasure craft, commercial barge traffic, and marinas.This funding would not be possible without the support of the United States Coast Guard, United States Department of Homeland Security, and congressional support including, but not limited to: Congressman Bill Pascrell, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator Robert Menendez.