Richmond, VA - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has allocated $7.4 million in Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funds to Virginia for fiscal year 2015. These grants are provided to strengthen the commonwealth’s ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. They are vital to the homeland security and emergency management community to help build, sustain and deliver programs to achieve a secure and resilient Commonwealth.

In addition, the National Capital region will receive $54 million for fiscal year 2015 as part of the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), a $1 million increase from the previous fiscal year. Although a UASI recipient last year, the Hampton Roads region was not chosen to receive a 2015 grant. UASI grants are provided for law enforcement and terrorism prevention and typically include training and exercises, updates to current planning and procedures, and lifecycle replacement of equipment.

“As a strategic partner in national defense, we are pleased DHS will provide funding this year to states with high-risk areas, like Virginia,” said State Coordinator Dr. Jeff Stern. “But the loss of the Hampton Roads UASI funding this year is a disappointment. The expansion of the Port of Virginia and numerous critical military installations demonstrates the strategic value of the region to the nation’s economy and security.” Virginia will work with its congressional delegation and DHS to recognize the need to provide UASI funding for Hampton Roads next year.

Virginia's proposal for the federal grants is developed with input from local and state governments, nonprofit organizations and others from throughout the commonwealth. The proposalentifies statewide and regional projects that will improve Virginia's capabilities to plan for and respond to manmade and natural emergencies. Project submissions will open in June and funds will be distributed to localities for projects selected on a competitive basis by fall 2015.

Further information on DHS’s preparedness grant programs is available at www.dhs.gov and http://www.fema.gov/grants.