DHS announces $1.8 billion in preparedness grants to advance county security and resilience

Key Takeaways

On April 16, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled more than $1.8 billion in funding for eight preparedness grant programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. These grants play a crucial role in helping county governments bolster their readiness and response capabilities against terrorism and disasters. 

FY 2024 Preparedness Grants

*see below for more information 

Key programs for counties include: 

1. Homeland Security Grant Program: This program comprises three of the FY 2024 preparedness grants which are tailored to support county initiatives aimed at combating acts of terrorism and other threats. This funding is to be used by counties to implement the National Preparedness System and advance their progress towards the National Preparedness Goal. 
   • State Homeland Security Program  
     1. Provides funding to implement homeland security strategies to advance core capabilities.  
     2. Non-competitive grant determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk methodology and statutory minimums.
     3. Thirty percent of funding must address the six priority areas and 35 percent of funding must improve law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.
     4. Within 45 days of receipt, 80 percent of these grants must be obligated from the state to local or tribal governments.
   • Urban Area Security Initiative  
     1. Provides targeted funding to 41 high-threat, high-density areas for improving local preparedness and responses.
     2. Non-competitive grant determined by DHS/FEMA’s risk.
     3. Thirty percent of funding must address the six priority areas and 35 percent of funding must improve law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.
     4. Within 45 days of receipt, 80 percent of these grants must be obligated from the state to local or tribal governments.
   • Operation Stonegarden  
     1. Provides funding for collaboration among all levels of government to collectively enhance border security.  
     2. Competitive grant with additional details to be announced later this year.  
2. Emergency Management Performance Grant: This grant provides funding to aid county governments in enhancing preparedness and advancing progress toward the National Preparedness Goal. These are non-competitive grants based on statutory minimums and population. 

The FY 2024 preparedness grants from DHS enhance national security and resilience against evolving threats, promote collaboration and ensure improved alignment with the National Preparedness Goal, empowering county governments to effectively prevent and address potential hazards and emergencies.

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