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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman has received word that Nebraska will receive more than $21.7 million in federal funding as part of the 2006 homeland security grant program.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security examined several factors in determining the amount of funding made available to each state. While Nebraska ranks lower in terms of assessed risk, the state was determined to be in the top 25 percent nationally in effectiveness of planning and proposed solutions to regional security challenges.
“Nebraska has developed a reputation as a leader in homeland security and this latest round of funding is an indication of the good work our state has done when it comes to developing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to emergency preparedness,” Gov. Heineman said. “The fact that our funding has remained relatively consistent tells me that the priority we’ve placed on state and local integration has paid off.”
Funding for the federal grant program was reduced by 29 percent between FY 2005 and FY 2006. Last year Nebraska received more than $23 million in funding.
A portion of this year’s $21.7 million in funding will be dedicated to preparedness efforts in and around the greater Omaha area. Recognized as one of the nation’s metropolitan security areas during the 2005 grant process, the state’s Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) will receive more than $8.3 million in funding.
The state will distribute grants to local and county governments, which have already submitted requests for funding. Members of the Homeland Security Policy Group will review requests and make recommendations to the Governor regarding the allocation of funding. As in previous years, the state will continue to place a high priority on projects that improve communications and interoperability among first responders and emergency management personnel. Grant allocations are expected to be announced in August.
Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska’s homeland security director, said, “The ability to communicate is key to ensuring a coordinated and effective response in an emergency. A significant portion of our funding has helped to develop communications networks across the state, and we continue to make progress towards our goal of statewide interoperability.”
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