Seven organizations in eastern Connecticut are collectively getting $800,000 through the Department of Homeland Security's Port Security Grant Program to help with coastal security and safety preparedness, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced Thursday.

The grants were awarded to Cross Sound Ferry Services and Fishers Island Ferry District in New London, TowBoatUS in Mystic, the Groton Long Point Association, the Stonington Police Department, the town of East Lyme and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Groton Long Point Association, for example, will be using $320,805 to help replace the Groton Long Point Volunteer Fire Department's fire and rescue vessel. Courtney said he wrote a letter in April in support of the fire department's application to the grant program.

"Shorelines and waterways across the Second District see an uptick of activity during the busy summer season," Courtney said in a news release Thursday. "This year, while our communities are trying to safeguard public health while responsibly reopening, it's even more important to make sure that the folks who patrol and safeguard our waterways have the support they need."

He said the funds will support firefighters, police officers and other safety officials.