Maine gets $22 million in homeland security grants

WASHINGTON – Maine’s state and local law enforcement agencies will receive more than $22 million in homeland security grants, according to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.

The funds, awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Domestic Preparedness, will help state and local governments and first responders pay for planning, training, equipment and exercises and other costs associated with enhanced security measures.

“The needs of our first responders are as varied as the communities they protect. If there is a local emergency, citizens don’t call Washington, they call 911,” said Collins, whose committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security. “These grants enable our first responders to obtain the equipment and resources they require to do what they do best – prevent and respond to emergencies.”

The following grants were awarded to Maine:

. $17.11 million in State Homeland Security Assistance to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, with no less than 80 percent of the total funding passed down to the local level. This funding may be use for training, procuring equipment, such as interoperable communications equipment, and conducting exercises.

. $5.077 million in Law Enforcement Prevention Grants to enhance the ability of state and local law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist attacks. This funding will be available to enhance information sharing systems, protect high-risk targets, and recognize potential threats.

. $355,000 in Citizen Corps Grants to support Citizen Corps Councils with planning, outreach, and management of Citizen Corps programs and activities. This program will provide the necessary resources for states and local communities to develop and sustain a local Citizen Corps Council.