Kerry, Brown, Keating: Massachusetts Wins $21.7 Million for Homeland Security The state will be able to address planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs that help prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism .....
BigNews.Biz - Feb 20,2012 - Kerry, Brown, Keating: Massachusetts Wins $21.7 Million for Homeland Security
BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressman William Keating, announced that Massachusetts will receive $21,729,874, along with eligibility for future funding, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that will be used for security enhancements. The state will be able to address planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs that help prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
The funding, awarded through FEMA’s State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG), Urban Area Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), and Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) will assist state and local governments in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated Mission Areas and Core Capabilities along with facilitating security enhancements and preparedness for all hazards.
“This investment will help pay for across-the-board security so every community in Massachusetts is prepared to respond to all threats, whether manmade or natural,” said Sen. Kerry.
“The Commonwealth’s cities and towns are on the front lines of keeping us safe from a potential terror attack. These competitive grants are targeted to strengthen communities’ ability to anticipate and respond to an attack, and I am proud to support their preparedness efforts,” said Sen. Brown.
“Preparedness is the first step in ensuring the safety of our communities, particularly in urban areas, while mitigating the costs of both manmade and natural disasters. Unfortunately, as the Ranking Member of a Homeland Security Subcommittee, I have had to watch the budget for these preparedness grants be slashed. I encourage all state and local entities to take full advantage of the funding opportunities presented by the Department of Homeland Security. It is a disturbing trend that the budgets for these grants are being reduced, but I am committed to working through the committee to fight against these cuts and help steer funding toward communities that need them the most,” said Rep. Keating.
Massachusetts is eligible for the follow funding:
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - $4,073,885
Provides support the implementation of State homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) - $10,861,397
Provides support to address the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density Urban Areas, and assists them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.
Emergency Management Performance Grants Program (EMPG) - $6,794,592
Provides funding to assist State, local, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended.
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
Provides up to $46,600,000 to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal,
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