U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., recently secured more than $40 million to train and equip Homeland Security responders in the event of a terrorist attack.
“Keeping Maryland and America safe is my top priority. That’s why I fight to provide increased funding for Department of Homeland Security grant programs, and why I will continue to work to make sure Maryland gets its fair share,” Mikulski said in announcing the $42.7 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Mikulski, a senior member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, said the funds will support training and equipment for first responders who must react to terrorist attacks. It also will support prevention planning and deterrence efforts.
The fiscal year 2008 Homeland Security Grant Program distributed the funding among states based on a department formula, and Mikulski, who argues for increased funding each year, said she was pleased by the federal investment in three critical programs to Maryland and the National Capitol Region.
Maryland will receive $18 million for state and local public safety and law enforcement, which is $6 million more than the previous year, and Baltimore City will receive $11.55 to enhance local emergency during incidents of terrorism.
The National Capitol Region, which includes Washington D.C., also will receive $11.6 million in funding through the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, which addresses shortcomings in existing regional plans, and helps identify roles and responsibilities for each organization in a catastrophic event.
“We must protect our protectors and make sure people on the front lines have the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs and keep us safe,” Mikulski said.
