Washington - Michigan’s GOP congressional delegation today lauded President Bush and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their unprecedented commitment to our nation’s first responders. Earlier this week, DHS announced $2.2 billion has been allocated nationwide in grant funding for state and local first responders, of which Michigan received more than $62 million.
“This funding further demonstrates President Bush’s commitment to enhance the abilities of our first responders to prevent, prepare for and respond to potential acts of terrorism,” said Candice Miller, of Michigan’s 10th District. “I was proud to support the first ever Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which made this funding possible.”
"Our communities have told us how great a need there is for federal assistance for the homeland security duties performed by their local responders,” said Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township. “We responded by providing this much needed funding. Now is the time for communities to improve their readiness by applying for and securing these grants."
“Given the expected cut in state revenue sharing to local units of government, these federal dollars are critical to ensuring adequate support for our first responders,” added Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland.
The grant, from DHS’ Office of Domestic Preparedness, was allocated from H.R. 2555, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act for FY 2004. States can apply online for their allocated grants using one firm that will serve as a “one-stop-shop” application for three different programs that benefit first responders and will provide additional resources to state and local government counterterrorism efforts.
The three programs available to apply for funding are the following:
o The State Homeland Security Program. Helps state and local public safety and law enforcement personnel pay for planning, training, equipment, exercises and other costs associated with enhancing their capabilities to prevent, responds to and recover from terrorist attacks.
o The Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program. Seeks to provide law enforcement communities with enhanced capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting and preventing acts of terrorism with a specific focus on the prevention of a weapon of mass destruction incident.
o The Citizen Corps. Supports Citizen Corps Councils with planning, outreach and management of Citizen Corps programs and activities, providing the necessary resources for states and local communities to develop and sustain a local Citizen Corps Council.
“This funding is about protecting the citizens of Michigan, but it is also about protecting the first responders who put their lives on the line every day,” said Fred Upton, of Michigan’s 6th District. “It is essential that our local first responders receive the necessary funding to prepare for an act of terrorism, and the $62 million that is headed to Michigan will make our communities that much safer.”
“First responders have a major responsibility to provide for the safety and security of communities throughout Michigan, and it is vital that they have the funding they require to effectively prepare and plan for emergencies,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. “Ensuring the protection of our citizenry has never been more important than in the post-Sept. 11 world in which we all now live.”
"This funding is approximately 26 times the amount Michigan first responders were receiving in federal funds pre-9/11," said Congressman Mike Rogers, MI-08. "First responders and law enforcement stand on the front line in both domestic fire and emergency situations as well as in the fight against terrorism. Funding at this level reflects their crucial role in protecting our state's citizens."
"Our community and our country will be safer, because this funding ensures Michigan's first responders remain a top priority, and provides them the tools they need to meet the new demands of national counterterrorism efforts," said Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11).
"This funding will help make our communities safer and will provide much needed support for those individuals who take on the very important job watching over their fellow citizens," said Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.