Follow the moneyDHS announces Preparedness Grants
DHS announced $2.1 billion in preparedness grants to states, urban areas, non-profit agencies, and the private sector; in FY 2011, DHS grants were reduced by $780 million from the FY 2010 enacted level, nearly a quarter of FY 2010 DHS grant funding; the grants focus on the highest risk cities which, according to DHS, continue to face the most significant threats; more than $662 million will go to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in thirty-one high-threat, high-density areas, and more than $526 million will go to support the implementation of state homeland security strategies to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities
DHS moves forward with $2.1 billion in grants // Source: blogspot.com
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday announced the release of FY 2011 grant guidance and application kits for twelve DHS grant programs totaling $2.1 billion to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector. The grants aim to help recipients to prevent, protect, respond, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. In FY 2011, DHS grants were reduced by $780 million from the FY 2010 enacted level, nearly a quarter of FY 2010 DHS grant funding.
“In today’s tight fiscal environment, we are maximizing limited grant dollars by setting clear priorities and focusing on the areas that face the greatest risk,” said Napolitano. “The FY 2011 homeland security grants are focused on mitigating and responding to the evolving threats we face.”
The grants announced yesterday focus on the highest risk cities which, according to DHS, continue to face the most significant threats, while continuing to provide dedicated funding to law enforcement throughout the country to prepare for, prevent and respond to what DHS describes as “pre-operational activity and other crimes that are precursors or indicators of terrorist activity.” The 9/11 Commission recommended that homeland security funds be allocated “based strictly on an assessment of risks and vulnerabilities” to focus limited funding in the highest risk areas.
The department says that the grant guidance also incorporates feedback from DHS’s state, local, tribal and territorial, and private sector partners and includes specific steps undertaken by DHS to improve the ability of state and local partners to apply for and utilize grant funding.
