Vermont nets $6.3 million in homeland security grants

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) on Tuesday announced that Vermont will receive $6.3 million in federal grants from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), up from $5.7 million last year. The grants ‘under a formula championed by Leahy that protects smaller states like Vermont - will help Vermont develop prevention and preparedness programs to respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
‘As a rural state and a border state, Vermont understands that prevention and preparedness plans are a must," Leahy said. "We tragically saw firsthand how devastating natural disasters like Tropical Storm Irene can be in our state’s rural communities. These grants have a dual purpose. They will help ensure that our first responders are prepared to respond to national security incidents, and they will help Vermont prepare for future natural disasters.’
Vermont will receive grant awards from two DHS programs:
· $3,459,364 from the State Homeland Security Grant Program to support the implementation of strategies to address the identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to help state and local first responder agencies prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters.
· $2,950,239 from the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to assist Vermont and local governments in the state in emergency preparedness for disasters and hazards.