Kentucky has awarded $2.8 million to 119 state homeland security projects. The awards will be used for training programs, citizen preparedness and awareness, and first-responder, communications and critical infrastructure equipment. The grants are backed by money from the Department of Homeland Security.
Gene Kiser, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), said local agencies submitted 235 applications totaling $13 million for these grants. The number and size of the application pool shows the statewide demand for homeland security related improvements in Kentucky.
The awards will put $1.4 million toward a first responder communications network that includes equipment such as alert systems, 911 projects, infrastructure, mobile-data computers and radios. $656,650 was approved to KOHS for planning, administering the Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center, which will focus on citizen preparedness and awareness.
Kiser said KOHS endeavors to find more innovative and creative ways to reduce threats and dangers, enhance security analyses, continue cutting-edge training, protect critical infrastructure, and acquire communications and other vital equipment for first responders. The state has a website up with the full details of each award at – www.homelandsecurity.ky.gov/gp.
