Southeastern Connecticut entities have been awarded $296,732 in federal grants for coastal security and safety preparedness, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced.

The Mystic Fire Department, the New London Fire Department and Cross Sound Ferry Services of New London will receive the grants through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program. The grants will help fund such projects as the maintenance of a fire boat, the upgrading of maritime surveillance and cybersecurity systems and the purchase of water rescue equipment.

The Mystic Fire Department, the only agency in the region that operates a marine vessel equipped with both a fire pump and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection equipment, will receive $24,000 to maintain the vessel.

“Grant awards like these are really invaluable, not just for us but for all our partners in the New London Marine Group ― the Norwich and New London fire departments, Groton Long Point, the Waterford Fire Department, and others,” Mystic Fire Chief Anthony Manfredi said in a statement. “Our work is a collaborative effort, and it includes our local police and Coast Guard as well, so keeping the fire boat in the water and off the sidelines for maintenance is something that makes a difference not just for our department but for lots of our partners and surrounding communities.”

Cross Sound Ferry was awarded a $168,960 grant to maintain and improve 10 ferries and two ferry terminals, work that includes replacing digital video recorders, cameras, routers and surveillance systems. A second, $80,316 grant will fund three-year contracts that support the ferry system’s cybersecurity operations.

The New London Fire Department will receive a $23,456 grant for the purchase of new water rescue equipment and other items.

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