CARSON CITY — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded Nevada's Department of Public Safety Emergency Management a $3.4 million grant, an increase of $700,000 given to the state in a similar grant awarded in 2012, officials announced Tuesday.
“I am pleased Nevada has been awarded this grant, with an increase,” said Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. “I thank Secretary Napolitano for her work and I thank NDEM for facilitating work around the state to ensure that these funds are applied to areas of importance that Nevada public safety officials deem critical.”
The additional funding is currently targeted towards ensuring the continuation of the Metropolitan Medical Response System and Citizen Corps programs. This week the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security, chaired by Governor Sandoval, will meet to determine how the funds will be allocated.
“Governor Sandoval worked diligently with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano to secure the additional funding to support DHS and State of Nevada priorities, and this is great news for the State of Nevada as we continue to work to achieve the National Preparedness Goal,” NDEM Chief Chris Smith said.
The Department of Homeland Security grant program enhances the ability of states, local, tribal and territorial jurisdictions, and other regional authorities in the preparation, prevention, and response to terrorist attacks and other disasters, by distributing grant funds. Localities can use grants for planning, equipment, training and exercise needs.
Historically, these funds are used to support initiatives like Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Teams, information sharing, public safety radio interoperability, public information and warning, and first responder trainings.