Congresswoman Nancy Mace has announced that the Charleston Fire Department will receive an $832,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program. The funds are intended to enhance emergency response capabilities at the Port of Charleston.
The Port of Charleston is the eighth-largest container port in the United States and plays a significant role in commerce and national defense. South Carolina remains one of the fastest-growing states, making updated emergency operations important for public safety and economic growth.
The new funding will be used by the Charleston Fire Department to acquire a portable fire pump and provide advanced marine fire training for its personnel, which will improve their ability to respond to emergencies on local waterways. The City of Charleston is providing a 25 percent local match, contributing $208,150 toward the project.
Congresswoman Mace stated: “The Port of Charleston drives South Carolina’s economy, supports 32,000 jobs in the region and plays a vital role in America’s national defense. We helped deliver this funding as part of more than $400 million we’ve brought home for the Lowcountry. We’re leading the charge to strengthen our ports, protect the Lowcountry, and make sure South Carolina’s tax dollars come back where they belong, right here at home.”
Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia acknowledged Rep. Mace’s efforts: “Charleston’s waterways present unique challenges to first responders. Securing a Port Security Grant to enable the Charleston Fire and Police Departments to take steps toward meeting those challenges is crucial to our success. We appreciate the assistance of Representative Mace and her team in making this a reality,” said Chief Curia.
Rep. Mace’s office worked closely with leaders at the Charleston Fire Department during meetings and ongoing communication regarding this grant application. Her office submitted a letter of support to FEMA and DHS and coordinated on timelines related to posting and applying for this federal funding.
Nancy Mace has represented South Carolina’s 1st district in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Joe Cunningham (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nancy_mace/456860). She previously served in South Carolina’s House of Representatives from 2018 until 2020 (https://mace.house.gov/about). Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1977, she currently resides in Charleston (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/M001216). Mace graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999.
