Gov. Perry: Texas Receives $78 Million in Federal Homeland Security Funds

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced that Texas has been awarded an additional $78 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for anti-terrorism equipment and training and to reimburse expenses associated with the heightened state of alert that coincided with the war in Iraq.

In March, the state was awarded $29.5 million for homeland security efforts under the same federal program. The latest award was made possible by a supplemental federal appropriation for fiscal year 2003.

The supplemental grant includes $67.8 million for equipment, training and planning, and $10.4 million to reimburse state and local expenses during Operation Liberty Shield, when the federal terrorism threat level was elevated to orange.

“Local leaders and state officials in Texas have developed a regional approach to homeland security that allows us to maximize coordination and resources,” Perry said. “This grant will provide a tremendous service to our communities by helping them purchase decontamination equipment, hazmat suits and other equipment to support their regional response plans.”

The grant will be administered by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), based in College Station at Texas A&M University. TEEX already is working with local jurisdictions to conduct readiness assessments, identify equipment needs and facilitate regional response plans. At least 80 percent, or $54 million, of the supplemental grant will be use to help cities and counties purchase equipment and improve homeland security planning and programs.

“Texas remains grateful to President Bush for his strong support of state and local emergency workers,” Perry said. “We will continue to work with the president and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to ensure that our state is well prepared to detect, deter and respond to terrorist activity.”

TEEX is expected to begin notifying local jurisdictions of individual awards under the federal equipment program in June.