Sens. Booker and Menendez Announce $70M in Homeland Security Federal Grants for New Jersey

Press Release

U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today announced a combined $70,146,875 in Homeland Security grants as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) ongoing efforts to support state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. These grants assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector with their preparedness efforts. Preparedness grants strengthen our nation's ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies in support of the National Preparedness Goal and the National Preparedness System.

"From port terminals to train stations to one of the busiest airports in the country, New Jersey is home to every aspect of infrastructure that keeps this nation moving," said Sen. Booker. "That's why our law enforcement agencies and emergency responders need the resources they need to be prepared and well equipped to protect that essential infrastructure. Today's announcement of Homeland Security Preparedness funds is a welcome reminder that government at all levels must work together to protect our nation's most critical assets."

"This critical federal funding will help secure our state's vital infrastructure and save lives," said Sen. Menendez. "I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security has continued its investment in our state's emergency preparedness efforts. However, Congress must return to bipartisan budget negotiations to reverse the devastating sequestration budget cuts that limit the ability of these grant programs to serve more communities. Keeping New Jerseyans safe requires cooperation at all levels of government and a multi-faceted approach that is reflected in these grant awards. "

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)--provide funding to states and urban areas to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other threats.

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) -- to support the implementation of the National Preparedness System to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels.

Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) -- to enhance regional preparedness and capabilities in 28 high-threat, high-density areas.

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) -- to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States land and water borders where there are ongoing U.S. Customs and Border Protection missions.

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program--provides funding to assist local, tribal, territorial, and state governments in enhancing and sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)--provides funding to support target hardening and other physical security enhancements for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack and located within one of the 28 FY 2015 UASI-eligible urban areas.

Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)--provides funding to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or reestablish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)--provides funding to owners and operators of transit systems to protect critical surface transportation and the traveling public from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)--provides funding to assist operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services within high-threat urban areas to protect bus systems and the traveling public from acts of terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies.

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