Orange County to receive more than $12.7 million in Homeland Security Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano Thusday announced more than $1.8 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants designed to help states, urban areas, tribal governments and non-profit organizations enhance their protection, prevention, response and recovery capabilities for risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

“The grants being announced today will help our partners in state, local and tribal governments and non-profit organizations across the country better prepare for, respond to and recover from all threats and hazards,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This funding pays for training for fire fighters, medics and police officers, supports the purchase of equipment that is essential to our first responders, and improves our ability to communicate during disasters. These investments have a direct impact on communities across our country as we work together to build, sustain and improve the resilience of our families, businesses and neighborhoods.”

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is the Department’s primary funding mechanism for building and sustaining national preparedness capabilities to help strengthen the nation against the risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

In a press statement Thursday, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) announced that Orange County will receive over $12.7 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants. The funding, which the Department of Homeland Security provides to organizations and communities at risk of a terrorist attack, will help local law enforcement protect our community against potential threats.

“At a time when budget shortfalls and staff cuts have stretched resources for local law enforcement, UASI grants have been a real lifeline for our county,” said Rep. Sanchez. “Nothing could be more important than protecting Orange County families against potential terrorist threats. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that our county will be receiving over $12.7 million to help secure our community.”

Congresswoman Sanchez represents California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Vice Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Additionally, Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that 80 percent of Operation Stonegarden funding – intended to support state and local law enforcement along the border– will go to Southwest border states. DHS also increased tribal funding from $1.8 million in FY 2009 to $10 million in FY 2010.