Senators Collins, King Announce More Than $9 Million in Funding to Protect Maine Communities Against Natural Disasters, Terrorist Attacks

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded several state and local preparedness grants to the State of Maine.  The awards total $9,001,635 and are part of the FY 2016 Homeland Security Grant Program, which is comprised of several related grant programs.

“This funding will help ensure that our communities are prepared for and protected against potential terrorist acts or catastrophic disasters,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “By ensuring that our brave first responders have the capabilities they need to respond to emergencies, these investments will help keep our families and communities safe.”

The intent of the Homeland Security Grant Program is to provide funding to assist state and local governments in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated Mission Areas and Core Capabilities.

The awards to the state of Maine are as follows:

State Homeland Security Program: Provides funding to support the implementation of state homeland security strategies to address identified planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

Total award:  $3,734,500

Operation Stonegarden: Provides funding to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with international water borders.

Awards issued: 

Aroostook: $204,806

Franklin: $157,440

Oxford: $148,920

Somerset: $116,225

Washington: $172,720

Total award:  $800,111

Emergency Management Performance Grant Program: Provides funding to assist with coordination and guidance so that a comprehensive emergency preparedness system exists for all hazards.

Total award:  $3,483,250

Port Security Grant Program: Aims to strengthen the nation’s critical infrastructure, specifically maritime transportation infrastructure, against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks.

Awards issued:

City of Portland, Maine:  $175,960

Department of Marine Resources Bureau of Marine Patrol:  $288,204

Global Companies, LLC - South Portland:  $24,850

Maine Port Authority-International Marine Terminal:  $288,750

Sprague Energy:  $49,638

University of Southern Maine:  $143,230

Total Award:  $970,632

Intercity Bus Security Grant Program: Assists owners and operators of bus systems in obtaining the resources required to support the National Preparedness Goal’s associated Mission Areas and Core Capabilities.

Awards issued:

Isherwood Énterprises, Inc. dba Custom Coach of Portland:  $13,142