Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has directed $8.7 million to Kentucky to enhance emergency response and preparedness initiatives. The Commonwealth is eligible for funding for Fiscal Year 2013 through two grants, the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the Emergency Management Preparedness Grants (EMPG). Specifically, $3.5 million in SHSP grant funding will be available to implement risk-driven, capabilities-based security strategies to address targets, and $5.24 million in EMPG funding will support Kentucky’s long-standing efforts to enhance, coordinate, and sustain first responders during natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

"I applaud these investments by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure each state is capable of sustaining and strengthening security efforts in the midst of budget cuts," said Rogers. "The deadly attack during the Boston Marathon was a reminder that we must maintain our diligence in preparedness and protection across the nation and in the Commonwealth. The Oklahoma tornadoes are also a solemn reminder of the importance of having expertly trained emergency response crews with state-of-the-art technology when disasters strike."

Kentucky’s FY 2013 SHSP grant of $3.5 million represents an increase of $658,000 over FY 2012. These funds will help build and sustain Kentucky’s preparedness capabilities while providing local law enforcement with additional tools to prevent and respond to pre-operational activity and other crimes that are precursors or indicators of terrorist activity.  This includes new initiatives to support citizen preparedness drills and to strengthen mass casualty planning, training and exercises among law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service providers.  The EMPG Program assists state and local governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

Further information on DHS’ preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.

 

 

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