- Office of Grants and Research
Media Contact for Baker-Polito Administration Awards $21.6 Million in Homeland Security Grants
Kevin Stanton, Executive Director
Boston — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $21.6 million in grants from the federal Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), providing regional security councils and state agencies with resources to implement enhanced security infrastructure as well as unique programming aimed at strengthening the Commonwealth’s preparedness and resiliency.
“These grants illustrate one of the many ways our administration empowers local communities with resources to sustain and increase public safety,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “While vigilance remains our first line of defense, these improvements in technology and advanced trainings ensure that we are truly responsive and prepared for emerging threats.”
The Department of Homeland Security provides states with funding under the HSGP, which began in 2003. These funds support regional and statewide efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events as well as prepare for significant national security threats and hazards, delivering resources to the state’s Homeland Security Regional Councils and state public safety agencies selected through a competitive grants process managed by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).
“Our Administration will always pursue new opportunities for cities and towns to maximize public safety resources,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Initiatives like the Statewide Cybersecurity Conference and the Emergency Preparedness Program for Persons with Disabilities demonstrate how their work extends beyond traditional infrastructure projects to new frontiers like cybersecurity, where all of us benefit from additional resources.”
The HSGP grant will enables the MassCyberCenter to create its first annual Statewide Cyber Security Conference during October’s Massachusetts Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This dedicated training event will educate 400-600 municipal leaders, first responders, and IT personnel about improved cybersecurity resiliency and planning efforts.
In a separate grant, the Emergency Preparedness Program for Persons with Disabilities will begin its thirteenth year equipped with 1,000 streamlined disaster supply backpack kits for participants. Additionally, the grant provides needed funds to continue the program and community outreach through June 2022.
“This federal funding will directly benefit statewide public safety agencies as well as local communities through the Massachusetts Homeland Security Regional Councils,” said Undersecretary of Homeland Security Jeanne Benincasa Thorpe. “State and local partnership is the hallmark of Massachusetts’ homeland security strategy.”
“These agencies work tirelessly to keep the Commonwealth safe and I am honored to support each of them in their homeland security efforts,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.
The grants awarded to Homeland Security Regional Councils are:
|
Regional Councils – Project Description |
Proposed Awards |
|
Northeast Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2020 SHSP regional plan have been approved and funded by OGR. |
$1,538,249.00 |
|
Southeast Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2020 SHSP regional plan have been approved and funded by OGR. |
$1,288,098.00 |
|
Central Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2020 SHSP regional plan have been approved and funded by OGR |
$1,042,551.00 |
|
Western Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2020 SHSP regional plan have been approved and funded by OGR. |
$1,246,662.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$5,115,560.00 |
|
Statewide Fiduciary Agent – Project Description |
Proposed Awards |
|
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) - Management and administration (fiscal/procurement) services for the four FFY 2020 SHSP-funded homeland security planning regions outlined above. As a fiduciary agent to OGR, MAPC will be responsible for distribution of funds to the four regions, providing procurement services, and maintaining budget and progress reporting requirements. |
$269,240.00 |
|
TOTAL |
$269,240.00 |
|
UASI Regional Council – Project Description |
Proposed Awards |
|
Metro-Boston/UASI Region – Homeland security projects outlined in FFY 2020 UASI-funded regional plan have been approved and funded by OGR. This includes funds for management and administration, and planning services to the Boston Office of Emergency Management for the FFY 2020 UASI-funded homeland security planning region. |
$13,520,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$13,520,000 |
The grants awarded to statewide agencies are:
|
Agency |
Project |
AWARD |
|
Department of Correction |
Automatic License Plate Readers |
$71,853 |
|
Department of Fire Services |
Mobile Testing Vehicle, Incident Support Trailer |
$825,000 |
|
MA Convention Center Authority |
Cybersecurity Enhancements for Operational Readiness |
$150,000 |
|
MA Cyber Center |
Statewide Cybersecurity Conference |
$115,272 |
|
MA Office on Disability |
Emergency Preparedness Program for Persons with Disabilities |
$125,500.00 |
|
MA Port Authority (Fire Rescue) |
Active Shooter Hostile Event Training Program |
$74,750 |
|
Massachusetts State Police |
Fusion Center, Airborne Life Safety Equipment, Portable Video Surveillance System |
$1,164,569 |
|
TOTAL |
|
$2,526,944 |
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