Funds bolster border security
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security has awarded several state and local preparedness grants to the state of Maine. The awards total $9,001,635 and are part of the FY 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program, which is comprised of several related grant programs.
Aroostook County will receive $204,806 to help secure its borders with Canada for a program called Operation Stonegarden.
A total of $800,111 is designated for Stonegarden, which will enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from the Canadian and Mexican borders, as well as states and territories with international water borders.
The remaining money will go to Franklin County, $157,440; Oxford, $148,920; Somerset, $116,225; and Washington: $172,720.
The funding announcement was made June 29 by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King.
“This funding will help ensure that our communities are prepared for and protected against potential terrorist acts or catastrophic disasters,” Collins and King said in a joint statement. “By ensuring that our brave first responders have the capabilities they need to respond to emergencies, these investments will help keep our families and communities safe.”
The intent of the Homeland Security Grant Program is to provide funding to assist state and local governments in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated Mission Areas and Core Capabilities.
Other awards to the state of Maine include:
The state Homeland Security Program, $3,734,500 to implement state security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, $3,483,250 to assist with coordination and guidance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards.
Additionally, $970,632 will benefit the Port Security Grant Program and Portland’s Intercity Bus Security Grant Program will receive $13,142.
