FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear has announced $2.8 million in State Homeland Security Program grants for 119 projects across the Commonwealth that will be used for training programs, citizen preparedness and awareness, and first-responder, communications and critical infrastructure equipment.
“The effectiveness of our first responders is enhanced by these grants as they carry out their important role of protecting citizens when natural and man-made disasters occur in the Commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “I am confident that this allocation of federal funds has been maximized to help keep Kentuckians safe and secure.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds are used to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels through planning, equipment and readiness activities.
Gene Kiser, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), said local agencies submitted 235 applications totaling $13 million for these grants.
“The approved grants will be beneficial in helping first responders across the state carry out their important jobs,” Kiser said.
Of the grants:
$1.4 million was approved for communications equipment such as alert systems, 911 projects, infrastructure, mobile-data computers and radios.
$1,050,300 was approved for equipment used in bomb detection, as well as medical, protective, and search-and-rescue items.
$120,000 was approved for first-responder training. $201,500 was approved for physical security equipment and generators.
$656,650 was approved to KOHS for planning, administering the Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center, citizen preparedness and awareness, management and administration.
The approved grants can be viewed at www.homelandsecurity.ky.gov/gp
Kiser said KOHS endeavors to find more innovative and creative ways to reduce threats and dangers, enhance security analyses, continue cutting-edge training, protect critical infrastructure, and acquire communications and other vital equipment for first responders
The state’s homeland security programs, administration and staffing are financed almost entirely through federal dollars