Delaware To Receive Nearly $8.8-million in Homeland Security Grants

(Smyrna) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $8,795,828 to the State of Delaware under four separate Homeland Security Grant Programs.  The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been informed that the state will receive funds under the federal Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), and Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

Delaware is set to receive more than $3.9-million from the Homeland Security Grant Program.  The HSGP is a group of risk-based grants to assist state and local efforts in the prevention of, preparation for, protection against, and response to acts of terrorism.  The Homeland Security Grant Program supports the implementation of the National Preparedness System, and helps build a culture of preparedness through planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises.  The grant supports public safety agencies throughout the state.

Over $3.2-million will be coming to Delaware from the Emergency Management Performance Grant, which is intended to provide a system of emergency preparedness to protect life and property from all hazards, and share the responsibility for emergency preparedness among the federal government, states, counties, and municipalities.  These funds are shared by New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties, the University of Delaware, the Delaware Department of Education, and DEMA.

The Port Security Grant Program provides funds for transportation infrastructure security activities to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans.  Port authorities, facility operators, and state and local governments share the responsibility.  DEMA will receive $166,500 in port security funds.  Other recipients in Delaware are the City of Wilmington Fire Department, Delaware City Refining Company LLC, Delaware State Police, Memorial Volunteer Fire Company, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).  The state received a total of more than $1.37-million  in PSGP funding.

For the first time, DEMA was able to secure $200,000 in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds, which will be shared equally by BayHealth and the Jewish Federation of Delaware.  The NSGP supports target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are recognized to be at high risk of a terrorist attack.

The grant allocations are for the 2018 Fiscal Year.