State receives $2.7M in homeland security grants

Grants for 117 projects

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2015) — Gov. Steve Beshear today announced $2.7 million in State Homeland Security Program grants for 117 projects in Kentucky. The funding will purchase essential communication, physical and cyber security and first-responder equipment.

“These homeland security grants will enhance the success of our first responders as they carry out their indispensable jobs of protecting citizens when natural and man-made disasters occur in the commonwealth,” Beshear said. “I’m glad to see these federal funds being used to help keep our state ready and prepared.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security funds will build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels through planning, equipment and readiness activities.

Of the grants:

• 44 percent, or $1.17 million, was approved for first responder equipment
• 46 percent, or $1.25 million, was approved for essential communication equipment
• 10 percent, or $278,000, was approved for physical and cyber security initiatives

Projects include:

• $20,000 to the Lewis County Fiscal Court for an emergency warning system
• $15,000 to the Pike County Sheriff’s office for portable radios
• $73,000 to Trigg County to purchase an Oquawka Rescue Boat for Lake Barkley
• $8,000 to the City of Clay in Webster County for a skid unit to extinguish fires
• $112,200 to Louisville Metro Government to replace aging analog video displays and projection equipment located in the emergency operations center

A total list of communities and grants can be viewed here.

Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) Executive Director Gene Kiser said local agencies submitted 260 applications totaling $11 million for these grants.

“The approved grants will be beneficial in helping first responders across the commonwealth perform their very important jobs,” Kiser said.

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.