“These grants will help improve the security and safety of our citizens,” Gov. Steven L. Beshear said of Wednesday’s announcement by DHS. “Our important river ports will be more secure, some critical infrastructure will have improved protection, and interoperable communications will be enhanced for first responders.”
In Crittenden County, a $750,000 grant for an Emergency Operations Center will improve management and preparedness capabilities and addressing deficiencies and needs.
“The grants focus on improving strategic planning and preparedness and measuring performance,” explained Thomas L. Preston, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS).
DHS’s final allocations for fiscal year 2009 for 10 federal programs totaled nearly $970 million in funding to assist state, local, and tribal governments and private industry in strengthening community preparedness.
“As we continue to expand our state, local, tribal and private sector partnerships, our combined efforts will improve and hone our grant programs – which helps us strengthen and protect individual communities and the entire nation,” Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano said.
