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Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $70 Million in Regional Federal Emergency Preparedness Grants

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $69,722,636 in fiscal year 2023 Department of Homeland Security preparedness grants for the State of Maryland and Capital Region.

  • State Homeland Security Program, $7,074,841 to support state and local law enforcement agencies with the implementation of state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism throughout the state.
  • Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, $6,560,623 for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency to prepare for all types of hazards, including natural disasters and severe weather events.
  • Urban Area Security Initiative, $3,800,000 for state administrative agencies in the Baltimore region and $50,360,095 for the National Capital Region to address the unique planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise needs associated with preventing and responding to acts of terrorism in a high-risk, urban area.
  • Port Security Grant Program, $1,903,449 to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans among port authorities and facility operators, and strengthen security at Maryland ports, including the Port of Baltimore:
    • Maryland Natural Resources Police, $361,680
    • Maryland State Police, $317,041
    • Maryland Transportation Authority Police, $731,250
    • Prince George’s County Police Department, $493,478
  • Intercity Bus Security Grant Program, $23,628 to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and riders from acts of terrorism and to increase the resilience of transit infrastructure.

“Marylanders deserve to feel safe in their communities,” said the lawmakers. “This federal funding will ensure that our first responders are better able to handle emergency situations, help our communities prepare for and respond to severe weather events and provide us with the latest tools to intervene before threats become reality – ultimately saving lives.”

The Department of Homeland Security awarded more than $2 billion in FY 2023 to help prepare against threats and natural disasters. The total amount for each grant program is set by Congress and the allocations are made by the Department.