DHS announces funding opportunity for 2016 preparedness grants

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced the release of FY 2016 Notices of Funding Opportunity on Tuesday for 10 DHS preparedness grant programs totaling more than $1.6 billion.

The programs provide funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as transportation authorities, nonprofit organizations and the private sector, to improve the nation’s readiness in response to terrorist attacks and other emergencies.

Dedicated grant funding is provided for law enforcement and terrorism prevention throughout the country to prepare for, prevent and respond to pre-operational activity and other crimes that are indicators of terrorist activity.

Among the specific amounts allocated, the Emergency Management Performance Grant will provide more than $350 million to assist governmental authorities in enhancing emergency management capabilities. The Homeland Security Grant Program will provide more than $1 billion for states and urban areas to prevent and mitigate acts of terrorism, while the State Homeland Security Program will provide up to $402 million to support the implementation of risk-driven State Homeland Security Strategies to address capability targets. Additionally, Operation Stonegarden will provide $55 million to enhance cooperation among governmental agencies to jointly enhance security along the United States’ land and water borders.