State to Receive Millions in Federal Grants
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced Indiana will receive nearly $5 million in preparedness grants. The majority of the funding will be used for statewide programs and the rest is marked for initiatives in the Indianapolis area. March 19, 2014
News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, today made the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) announcement to allocate nearly $5 million in federal preparedness grants to Indiana for Fiscal Year 2014.
“Indiana will put these grants to good use by preparing our communities to respond to threats and disasters,” said Coats. “While we are blessed with the luxury of living in a secure nation, we must maintain our capabilities to respond to incidents and be prepared for disasters.”
Indiana will be awarded two grants to strengthen the state's ability to prevent, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies in support of the National Preparedness Goal and the National Preparedness System.
Through the Urban Areas Security Initiative grant, which supports regional preparedness and capabilities for the nation's 39 highest density urban areas, the Indianapolis metropolitan area will receive $1 million. Additionally, the state of Indiana will receive $3.98 million in funding from the State Homeland Security Grant Program.
Source: The Office of U.S. Senator Dan Coats
March 19, 2014
News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement applauding the return of Indianapolis to the list of cities eligible to receive funding through the Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI):
“Indianapolis is a thriving urban city with the infrastructure, experience and talent necessary to consistently host large scale events. As both a former city official and the chairman of the Congressional subcommittee responsible for oversight of emergency preparedness grants, I’m glad Indianapolis has returned to the list of cities qualified to receive UASI grant funding. Our public safety officials work tirelessly to protect both our residents and visitors, and I know they will use any funds they receive effectively.
I'm encouraged the Department of Homeland Security took advantage of the discretion provided by Congress to expand the list of cities eligible to receive UASI funding. Local officials use these dollars for vital training exercises, equipment purchases and strategic planning that will make a difference in the unfortunate event of a terrorist attack. Moving forward, Congress must continue to encourage increased transparency when it comes to both the award and use of grants. This is the best way to show the public we’re living up to our duty to keep our nation’s citizens out of harms way.”
UASI funding falls under the scope of the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. Indianapolis received UASI funds in 2012, but did not receive them in 2013. With its inclusion on the 2014 list, Indianapolis has now been eligible for UASI funding three out of five years. Under the program, funding for Indianapolis can extend to both Marion and Hamilton counties.
UASI program funds address the unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas, and assist them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced $587 million will be available through the program in 2014 to 39 urban areas. For more information on the program, click here.
Congresswoman Brooks is the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications (EPRC). The EPRC Subcommittee provides Congressional oversight of grant programs administered by FEMA. For more information on Congresswoman Brooks, please visit www.SusanWBrooks.house.gov.
Source: The Office of U.S. Congresswoman Susan Brooks