From her perch as the chairwoman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, this week, U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., announced $61.6 million in new Homeland Security grant funding for Florida.
Funding will help to secure Florida’s ports, airports, transit, borders, communities, and community centers, places of worship, and other nonprofits that have faced violent threats. In her role as subcommittee chair, Demings oversees FEMA, which administers the grant programs.
“I am proud to announce this new funding to protect our communities, secure our ports and borders, and keep our families safe. The safety and security of every American is my top priority. My bill to support the Urban Area Security Initiative and Nonprofit Security Grant Program is critical for Florida’s synagogues, community centers, and first responders and will help ensure stable funding levels for anti-terror programs,” Demings said. “As a former law enforcement officer who used UASI funding, this program has been one of my top priorities since arriving in Congress and I am proud of the work we have done to restore Orlando to the list and ensure that our first responders have what they need to do their jobs.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently advocated for increased funding for this critical program. With ongoing threats and violence against faith-based communities, we must continue to invest in their security,” she added.
Major Grant Announcements:
State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP): $9.34 million for Florida
This program supports state, local, tribal, and territorial terrorism prevention programs, programs to counter domestic violent extremism and cyberattacks, and support for local law enforcement.
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): $22.35 for Florida
$3.8 million for Orlando
This program supports major urban areas with terrorism prevention programs, including support for local law enforcement.
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG): $2.75 million for Florida
This program supports law enforcement coordination to secure the United States’ borders, including coasts.
Port Security Grant Program: $12.17 million for Florida.
$1,941,285 for Port Canaveral
This program protects critical port infrastructure from terrorism and other threats.
Emergency Operations Center Grant Program: $1.75 million for two projects in Florida
This program supports emergency operations facilities at the state and local levels, which are critical to coordinate responses during emergencies.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program: $12.97 million for Florida
This program protects community centers, places of worship, and other nonprofits that have faced violent threats. Two synagogues in Orlando were funded this year, along with 82 other organizations in Florida.
Demings is the heavy favorite to win the Democratic primary next week as her party looks for a candidate to challenge U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in November.
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