Grants support local priorities developed by regional councils and state public safety agencies
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $21 million in federal homeland security grant funds to 5 Massachusetts Homeland Security Regional Councils and 5 state agencies. These allocations will fund state and local preparedness initiatives aimed at strengthening the Commonwealth’s security resiliency and readiness.
“Our administration understands that the Commonwealth’s security preparedness depends on equipping local leaders with the resources they need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These federal funds provide an opportunity to implement the vision developed by each regional homeland security council, and this important access to cutting-edge technology and advanced training enables cities and towns to build, sustain and deliver on security capabilities to protect against emerging threats.”
Since its creation in 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded funding to states from the federal Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). In Massachusetts, the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) receive 80 percent of the HSGP award to finance local and regional security initiatives, including capital projects, training, and exercises. Every initiative must demonstrate a strong nexus to homeland security and terrorism to qualify for funding.
“The Commonwealth’s security resiliency is bolstered by continually investing in projects that advance our public safety capabilities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Guided by the expertise of leaders across local and state agencies, these grant projects recognize the evolving threats of our time and develop meaningful solutions to keep our communities safe.”
In addition to supporting local priorities, 20 percent of HSGP funding provides state agencies with critical resources. This year’s grants awarded to state agencies include funding for new hazardous material equipment, training, and replacement airborne infrastructure.
“The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security remains committed to deploying grants for projects that make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “I commend the Office of Grants and Research for their work with local community partners to develop thoughtful plans in support of our Statewide Homeland Security Strategy.”
“These grants provide the resources to bring the vision of our regional homeland security councils to fulfillment,” said Homeland Security Undersecretary Jeanne Benincasa Thorpe. “I cannot overstate the importance of their collaboration throughout the year, and I thank all of our partners who devote themselves to this important work.”
HSGP funds are administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. In addition to this program, OGR is the state administering agency for funds received from the Department of Justice, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The councils and state agencies receiving a grant award are as follows:
| SHSP Regional Council – Project Description | Proposed Awards |
| Northeast Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2021 SHSP-funded regional plan that was approved by EOPSS. | $1,469,035.23 |
| Southeast Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2021 SHSP-funded regional plan that was approved by EOPSS. | $1,230,139.91 |
| Central Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2021 SHSP-funded regional plan that was approved by EOPSS. | $995,641.44 |
| Western Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2021 SHSP-funded regional plan that was approved by EOPSS. | $1,190,568.30 |
| TOTAL | $4,885,384.88 |
| UASI Regional Council – Project Description | Proposed Awards |
| Metro-Boston/UASI Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2021 UASI-funded regional plan that was approved by EOPSS. * Boston Office of Emergency Management – Management and administration as well as planning services for the FFY 2021 UASI-funded homeland security planning region. | $13,520,000 |
| TOTAL | $13,520,000 |
| Statewide Fiduciary Agent – Project Description | Proposed Awards |
| Metropolitan Area Planning Council – Serving as the fiduciary agent for the homeland security planning regions. | $257,125.52 |
| TOTAL | $257,125.52 |
| State Agency – Project Description | Award |
| Department of Correction – Bullet Proof Vests | $224,670.54 |
| Department of Fire Services – Automated Biodetection Tool; Maritime Multi-Threat Detectors; Short Range Chemical ID Tools; Bomb Squad Threat Assessment Training; Quadruped Robot; Tracked Robot; Digital Xray System | $597,000 |
| MA Emergency Management Agency – SEOC Expansion Enhancement; SEOC Surge AV; Radio Tower Project | $598,000 |
| MA Port Authority (Fire Rescue) – Active Shooter Training | $61,000 |
| MA State Police – Commonwealth Fusion Center, Critical Infrastructure and Airborne Equipment Replacement | $1,364,107 |
| TOTAL | $2,884,777.54 |
