DHS awards $32.4 million to bolster security statewide
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the release of $32,486,890 in federal homeland security grants for communities around the state. This represents the local government award allocation of the Federal Fiscal Year 2007 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding initiative for local government projects.
“Georgia has been a leader in anti-terrorism efforts for more than 15 years, and these grants will enable us to continue our aggressive efforts to enhance the safety of our citizens,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am thankful to Secretary Chertoff and his team for continuing to support our efforts as we remain vigilant.”
The awards for this fiscal year are earmarked for various initiatives – state homeland security grants, law enforcement grants, the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), the Metropolitan Medical Response System, and the Citizen Corps program.
The grants are part of the U.S. Homeland Security Grant Program which is designed to enhance the ability of states, urban areas and territories to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters. The grant funding will be used for planning, organization, equipment, training, exercises, management and administration.
The grants are based on a risk and effectiveness-based approach that reflects the needs of Georgia and its local communities, as well as the state’s demonstrated capabilities to implement and manage the security program.
A total of $11.5 million will be made available to 60 public safety agencies in 40 local communities to build out various programs including Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams, haz-mat capabilities, and wireless communications projects. Twenty-five law enforcement agencies will receive $8.2 million for SWAT teams and bomb squads, and the Georgia Terrorism Information Program.
Metro Atlanta’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) will receive $11.9 million and the Metropolitan Medical Response Systems in Atlanta and Columbus will receive a total of $516,290. Twenty-nine Community Emergency Response (CERT) teams around the state will receive $323,900.
Since September 11, 2001, Georgia has received nearly $300 million in funding from DHS.
