Federal officials have awarded $50 million in homeland security grants to state and local agencies in Washington.
Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement Thursday that the money will enhance protection of communities. Some of the money is earmarked for improving driver's license security and emergency operations centers. Other grants go to tribes and nonprofits.
“A terrorist attack in Washington state is something no one wants to imagine, but something we must be prepared for,” Gregoire said. “Our state has already taken many steps to increase emergency preparedness, but this allocation will go a long way toward enhancing protection of our communities. These grants also reflect the state‟s long-standing commitment to addressing our homeland security needs, especially through our non-profit and tribal partners.”
“Despite budget reductions, our state remains in the upper quarter of the states and territories for total homeland security grant awards,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, the state‟s Homeland Security Advisor and Military Department director. “Homeland security capability gaps remain in many areas, and so we must continue to push for a homeland security system that allows state and local jurisdictions the flexibility to prioritize their homeland security threats and to determine how best to reduce those threats.”
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced the grants Thursday. Chabad of Pierce County in Tacoma, directed by Rabbi Schneur Zalman Heberreceived $75,000 under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
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