DHS Releases Guidance on Grant Programs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released application kits and supplemental grant guidance for three grant programs for 2007. The three programs include the Port Security Grant Program, Transit Security Grant Program and Emergency Management Performance Grant Program. The $567 million awarded was already announced for the programs in the regular fiscal year 2007 appropriations. An additional $260 million supplemental increase announced for TSGP, PSGP and EMPGP brings the total to approximately $827 million available for this fiscal year.

Eight port regions qualified for the highest risk status -- Tier I. PSGP additional funds this year total about 60 percent of the $110 million available. There were 17 port regions that qualified for Tier II totaling about 20 percent of funds. The rest of the funds will be distributed to Tier III and IV ports. Eight major urban areas qualified for Tier I TSGP grants and will receive a combined total of $86.2 million, out of a total of $100 million. $50 million has been allocated for EMPG grants throughout the United States and its territories. Officials say the funds will go to emergency management capabilities and other preparedness measures. (Source: UPI)