SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES MAINE TO RECEIVE $189,000 IN HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDS

Washington, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, today announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Maine $189,000 in infrastructure protection grant funds.  This is a significant increase from last year’s level of $102,000.   “The infrastructure protection funds will help protect some of Maine’s most vulnerable facilities.  I believe that we need to emphasize preventing terrorist strikes before they occur, not just responding after the fact,” said Senator Collins.   In addition, DHS has announced that $168 million in new funding will be available to enhance port and harbor security.  Portland would be eligible to apply for some of these resources as well.   “Our ports provide a tempting target to terrorists wishing to harm our citizens and our economy. I am pleased that DHS recognizes this gaping hole in our homeland security and is seeking to address it.  These additional resources, for which Portland is eligible to apply, will help ports to enhance their security measures to protect against increasing terrorist threats,” stated Senator Collins.   In a letter last month to Secretary Chertoff, Senator Collins criticized the Department for waiting so long into the fiscal year to release these vital funds.   ###