DHS Reserves Nearly $400 Million for Homeland Security Grant Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In a recent announcement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that nearly $400 million in grants would be allocated to various security programs upon request. The grants will be made available as an attempt to strengthen the nation’s ability to protect its infrastructure in the face of ever changing threats to homeland security, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
According to DHS, “These grant funds will provide tangible investments that extend beyond federal dollars to enhance America’s preparedness.” However, specific eligibility requirements must be met for grant funding.
The funding will be dispersed through the DHS Office of Grants and Training’s Infrastructure Protection Program and allocation totals have already been established for five of the seven programs slated to receive contributions. Some of those programs include: the Transit Security Grant Program, which focuses the most funds on the redevelopment of at risk urban transit; the Buffer Zone Protection Program Grants that provide funding to security capabilities in chemical facilities and nuclear and electric power plans; and the Trucking Security Program, which enhances security on the nation’s highways.
Although final award decisions will not be made until September, more than $168,000 has been set aside for the Port Security Grant Program, representing 100 of the most critical seaports in the U.S. In excess of $9 million has also been assigned to the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program, which is focused on linking local police and emergency agencies to intercity and charter buses to protect riders from possible terrorism.
Since its inception the program has awarded more than $1.1 billion to critical infrastructure sectors for private measures. Applicants will have 30 days to apply for grant funding through the DHS, with an expected award date no later than Sept. 30, 2006.
For more information on allocations and eligible applicants, visit www.dhs.gov.
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