WASHINGTON, D.C. — West Virginia will receive more than $8 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to assist with local security and enhance disaster response.
U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin announced $8,365,298 will support the preparation and implementation of strategies to assist with disaster response and help local governments and nonprofits in the state enhance security to keep West Virginians safe.
“Recent events have shown us the importance of preparation in ensuring West Virginians remain out of harm’s way,” Senator Capitol said in a news release.
More than $3.9 million will go to the State of West Virginia through the State Homeland Security Program. Almost $3.7 million will go to the state through the Emergency Management Performance Grants Program. The Non-Profit Security Grant Program will provide more than $211,000 to the state.
“This funding will help West Virginia prepare for future disasters and allow local entities to implement security measures that will keep West Virginians safe in the event of acts of terror and other emergencies. As chair of the subcommittee that oversees DHS funding, I have worked with my colleagues to provide critical resources to emergency responders and other local leaders, and I will continue to make sure they have the resources they need to continue their vital work,” Senator Capito added.
Almost $270,000 will go to the city of Charleston through the Port Security Grant Program. $50,000 from that program will go to the Wood County Commission.
“Although West Virginia has endured and survived tragedy, emergency and disaster, we always come together to repair, rebuild and overcome our challenges. But we can only do that if we have the resources to prepare and respond to these emergencies. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I’m glad our state is receiving this funding to help our emergency personnel, local officials and first responders to continue to keep our communities safe,” Senator Manchin said.