The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded the initial funding of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office’s (DNDO) Securing the Cities program to Chicago on Wednesday to build upon the agency’s increase in capabilities to detect and protect against radiological and nuclear threats.
“The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office’s mission is to protect the nation against the malicious use of nuclear and other radioactive materials,” Wayne Brasure, acting director of the DNDO, said. “Expanding the Securing the Cities program to Chicago will bring important capabilities to one more of our country’s largest metropolitan areas.”
The program seeks to reduce the risk of a successful deployment of a radiological or nuclear weapon against major metropolitan areas in the United States. The program will assist state and local partners as they build the capabilities to detect, analyze and report threats.
The city of Chicago will receive $30 million over five years, with an initial $3.5 million to begin the region’s planning and analysis. DNDO will also provide equipment and assist regional partners in conducting training and exercises to further their nuclear detection capabilities and coordinate with federal operations. After the funding period, DNDO will continue to provide subject matter expertise in the areas of training, exercises and technical support.
Initial work of the program will begin before the end of the fiscal year.