FEMA Approves $53,616 Grant For SafeBoat

Fire Chief Jason R. Gilliland told members of the Harbors and Waters Board Monday that Marbehead's application for a Federal Emergency Management Agency port security grant has been accepted.

The $53,616 grant requires a town match of $16,000 and would pay for an outfitted boat with an enclosed cabin to improve the town's response to a terror attack on the Port of Boston.

In the event of a terror attack on a port, surrounding communites provide support for the response.

Harbormaster Webb Russell said he is hopefull that harbor outlay dollars would be budgeted in January to cover the $16,000 match.

The boat would be in the water year-round and be available for the fire department to use.

Firefighter Eric Ridge wrote the grant.