Rogers: Over $4.8 Million Coming to Kentucky for Security Improvements

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) announced today that $4,873,771 in federal funding has been awarded to Kentucky to increase security and surveillance, reduce threats, improve communications, and harden facilities across the Commonwealth. This grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will also be used for identification enhancements and transportation system security improvements.

"Federal funding is critical to ensuring all communities big and small are reducing potential security and disaster vulnerabilities within the Commonwealth," said Rogers. "The laudable efforts of state and local emergency response personnel to the ice storms, just a few months ago, revealed to us where we are achieving and where we need to make improvements. These funds enable Kentucky to take the necessary steps toward meeting national preparedness goals in expectation of the next disaster or to deter a possible terrorist threat."

DHS has received and approved an application for 2009 from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. On Wednesday, DHS will make the following awards to KOHS or other identified local entities through a variety of grant programs including: the Drivers License Security Program (SHSP), $833,717; the Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP), $400,000; the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP), $506,778; the Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP), $100,000; the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), $2,137,816; and the Emergency Operations Center Grant Program (EOC), $750,000. In addition, Louisville's Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is slated to receive $145,460 under the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP).

For six years, Rogers has served as the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Homeland Security. The Subcommittee is charged with allocating resources toward these important grant programs. In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will award more than $3 billion in grants to states, urban areas and transportation authorities under 14 programs to bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. As a senior member of the Committee, Rogers works to secure funding to increase the nation's preparedness and for important homeland security initiatives in Kentucky.

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