News Releases for December 2004
December 3, 2004
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Hoeven Announces $14.3 Million Homeland Security Grants To Communities
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided North Dakota with $14,376,200 in program funding for first responders and to support state and local resources necessary to prevent, respond and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. Eighty percent of the Homeland Security funds are allocated to local and tribal communities.
“Funding provided through these grants will allow North Dakota to address specific goals of the National Strategy for Homeland Security by assisting first responders and providing better support for protecting buildings, bridges, communications and other important infrastructure,” Hoeven said. “This money will go out to our communities enabling them to better manage an emergency response and quickly restore services to communities after an emergency.”
The recipients of this round of FY’05 Homeland Security grants will benefit from new measures recently adopted following recommendations from a task force convened by DHS Secretary Tom Ridge to expedite the flow of funds. State and local governments may now have up to 120 days to draw down funds in advance of purchases and investments, as compared to the three to five days allowed previously, so that even small localities have the buying power to purchase expensive or back-ordered equipment.
“These measures will help Homeland Security funds flow as fast as possible into the hands that need them,” said Doug Friez, Director of the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management and State Homeland Security Coordinator. “With this new allocation of over $14.3 million, we are even better able to enhance the capabilities of our state’s first responders to prevent terrorism and respond to emergencies.”
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