Montana Receives $5.3 million for Homeland Security Efforts

Disaster and Emergency Services received notice of its approval for $5.3
million for the improvement of emergency response capabilities throughout
the state.

This funding, available through the Office for Domestic Preparedness, U. S.
Department of Homeland Security, will contribute to enhancing the state’s
capacity to prevent terrorist events involving chemical, biological,
radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) devices.

"The safety of our citizens is our utmost priority" said Governor Judy
Martz. "This funding will allow us to address those priorities by providing
a means to improve and enhance our emergency response capabilities. "

The majority of the money will be passed directly to community level
governments for the purchase of emergency response equipment – planning,
conducting and evaluating exercises – and developing awareness-level
training.

"The state’s fiscal situation continues to be an issue," said Martz. "These
federal dollars are a blessing and will be utilized to provide equipment to
our dedicated responders and will help us focus on enhancing our
preparedness efforts statewide."

More money will soon be available to Montana. In recognizing the vital role
of state and local public safety agencies in providing for the security of
our homeland, the President signed into law the Wartime Supplemental
Appropriations Act of 2003. This will provide state and local governments
with additional funding to participate in the national effort to combat
terrorism.

All 56 counties and seven tribes are eligible for these grants through an
application process. The allocations are based on jurisdictional
populations.