Heitkamp announces funding for homeland security efforts

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) announced on Tuesday that approximately $6.85 million in federal grants will go to North Dakota to support homeland security and emergency management.

Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, said that the funding will be made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“No matter where we are or the size of the threat we must make sure local authorities are prepared to handle any emergency situation,” Heitkamp said. “North Dakotans must feel safe in their communities and all levels of government work together to help make that possible. These federal funds are necessary to prepare local emergency management agencies in meeting state and national preparedness goals.”

Heitkamp said that $3,734,500 will go to support planning equipment, and training to prevent and respond to terrorism and other catastrophes, while a portion of the grant is dedicated to supporting local law enforcement to make sure that they have the resources needed to protect against terrorist activities. Additionally, $3,113,693 will provide resources to state, local and trial emergency management agencies to better prepare for all hazards those communities may encounter.

The grant comes after a push from Heitkamp under her “Strong and Safe Communities Initiative” to help address the challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to North Dakota communities.