Ruppersberger Praises $55.5 Million for MD

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) praises the announcement that the state of Maryland will receive $55.5 million in grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Commerce for emergency preparedness.  This is an increase of $30 million, more than double the amount allocated last year. 

$32.6 million will be used for equipment, planning, and training for first responders in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, hazardous material incident, or disease outbreak.  It will also fund fusion centers where law enforcement agencies will work together with local, state, federal, community, and private agencies to improve emergency response and recovery. 

“This is a step in the right direction.  I believe the Department of Homeland Security must distribute these important grants based on risk.  Maryland has many high risk targets including the Port of Baltimore, BWI Airport, Fort Meade, the National Security Agency, and Aberdeen Proving Ground.  I will continue to fight for Maryland so we get what we need from the federal government to keep our state and her citizens safe,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). 

$22.9 million will be used to improve communication problems so firefighters, police, and other first responders can talk effectively during an emergency.  On September 11th in New York City and at the Pentagon, policemen and firemen were not able to talk to each other using their radios.  A recent study found that this issue is still prevalent across the country six years after 9-11.

“Maryland firefighters who responded to the Pentagon on September 11th found their radios would not communicate with firefighters from Virginia.  The first responders have the same radios today, six years later.  These funds mean we finally have a chance to create a truly regional emergency response network,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

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