U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that $11,668,229 in federal funding has been set aside to increase preparedness, reduce threats, and improve emergency response across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will boost a variety of capabilities for first responders at the state and local level.

“Federal funding is critical to ensuring all communities big and small are meeting national preparedness goals and reducing potential security vulnerabilities within the Commonwealth,” said Rogers. “We must continue to make wise investments in upgrading communications equipment, training our first responders, and hardening potential targets. Disasters, whether manmade or the work of nature, are indiscriminate and will often seek the path of least resistance; therefore, we must give our police, fire and emergency response personnel the tools and training necessary to stay ahead and on top.”

After receiving applications from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, DHS has reviewed the applications and will release funds in the following amounts through a variety of formula grant programs including: the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), $8,593,000; the Metropolitan Medical Response System, $642,442; the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), $2,201,800; and Citizens Corps, $230,487.

For seven years, Rogers has served as the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security. The Subcommittee is charged with allocating resources toward these important grant programs. In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will award more than $3 billion in grants to states, urban areas and transportation authorities under 14 programs to bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. As a senior member of the Committee, Rogers works to secure funding to increase the nation’s preparedness and for important homeland security initiatives in Kentucky.