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 Home > News & Policies > April 2003

April 30, 2003

Department of Homeland Security Announces Funding for States and Localities

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced today that nearly $1.5 billion has been made available to the states, localities and U.S. territories through the Office of Domestic Preparedness. These funds will help state and local public safety and law enforcement personnel pay for planning, training, equipment and exercises and other costs associated with enhanced security measures deployed during the heightened threat period.

Of the $1.5 billion, $200 million is specifically designated to reimburse the costs incurred by the states and cities to protect critical infrastructure during the heightened threat period. These funds have a base plus population formula. Each state must pass 50 percent of their allocated funds to localities.

"This funding for the men and women on the front lines of the war on terrorism is essential. We do not underestimate the role that state and local governments play in protecting American citizens against the threat of terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security is pleased to be able to work with the states and localities to enhance the capabilities of our nation's first responders," said Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge.

Application forms for the grant awards will be posted on the web at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm on Wednesday, April 30, and states will have until May 30, 200 3 to complete and submit their applications. Once the application is submitted, a review will be completed and the states will be notified of their status.

Since 1998, the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) has been engaged with the states and U.S. territories in the ongoing effort to better handle terrorist incidents. Assistance available from ODP to the states has increased from $12 million in 1998 to nearly $2 billion in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 since becoming part of the Department of Homeland Security.

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