The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has distributed more than $10.87 million to help counties defend against terrorist attacks. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the award in May, and MDEM recently announced its distribution to partners in Maryland.
“The safety of Maryland and the protection of our residents is a top priority for MDEM, and federal funding is vital to help our state and its local jurisdictions to remain prepared against terrorist attacks,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “This grant will fund capability-building at the state and local government level by enhancing planning, organizing, training, and equipment purchase while improving emergency managers’ response.”
The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) includes a group of risk-based grants to assist state, local, tribal and territorial efforts in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from terrorism and other threats. These grants provide recipients with the resources required for implementing the National Preparedness System and meeting the goal of a secure and resilient nation.
The recent distribution by MDEM includes more than $7 million in State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) funds distributed across the state and another $3.8 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funds distributed to jurisdictions in the Baltimore metro area.
Jurisdictions in the National Capital Region receive money from a different UASI fund. Distributions depend on population and the proximity of critical infrastructure, among other factors.