BIDEN Announces Over $6 Million in Funding for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency
August 13, 2008
Wilmington, DE – U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) announced today that the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been granted over $6.1 million from the Department of Homeland Security for local law enforcement training, updated equipment and to replace expired chemical suits.
“This critical grant will boost ongoing homeland security preparedness initiatives here in Delaware,” said Sen. Biden. “It will help to make our streets safer, drive down crime rates and secure our communities against terrorism.”
The Department of Homeland Security is distributing funds to local and state law enforcement agencies from a $1.8 billion preparedness grant, which aims to improve the nation’s readiness, response and recovery capabilities for emergencies. Almost a quarter of the $6.1 million being allocated to DEMA will go to local law enforcement. Other funds will go toward planning for hazards such as dealing with improvised explosive devices, chemical detectors and radiation detectors.
DEMA Director Jamie Turner said, “The funding allocated by the Department of Homeland Security is a continuation of a long-term planning process that ultimately protects and benefits the citizens, first responders and other organizations that support efforts through preparedness, prevention, response and recovery activities.”
In addition to the $6.1 million, another $134,210 from the Homeland Security’s Citizen Corporation Program will fund the Community Emergency Response Team, a volunteer group based out of Kent, New Castle and Sussex Counties that continuously trains individuals in preparation for local disasters, including how to operate and survive by yourself for 72 hours.
