July 26, 2007
Thursday

The State of Alaska secured allocations of nearly $14.5 million for homeland security for fiscal year 2007, based on announcement of two federal government grant programs.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $7,194,682 for Alaska as part of the final award allocations for all programs included in the FY07 Homeland Security Grant Program. This covers $3,820,000 for Alaska's State Homeland Security Program, $2,730,000 for the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program, $128,392 for the Citizen Corps Program and $516,290 for the Metropolitan Medical Response System.

As the State Administering Agency, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has received applications from all eligible jurisdictions and will work through an interagency review committee to make jurisdiction awards in September.

"Although this is a reduction of more than a million dollars from last year's allocation under this program, we also have an allocation of more than $7 million under a new program to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster," said Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

Alaska was allotted $7,250,345 of the $968 million Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grants, as announced by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff.

The PSIC grant is a one-time grant that focuses on assisting public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment, and training of interoperable communications systems to enhance interoperable communications of voice, data, and/or video signals. This program requires 20 percent matching from State funds.

"Communication is critical not only in response to disaster events but also during preparedness training and exercise," said Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, adjutant general for the State of Alaska, commissioner of the DMVA and commander of the Alaska National Guard. "Funds for our interoperable communications plans will help us improve our first responder capabilities and our coordination among local, State and federal partners."

By November, Alaska DHS&EM will finalize its plan to guide the use of these communications funds as the State Administering Agency, and project funding is expected in March 2008. Grant-funded projects must be completed by the end of fiscal year 2010.

"I am confident that under General Campbell's leadership, Alaska will use these funds effectively and efficiently to improve the safety of Alaska and Alaskans," said Governor Palin.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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