TO:	All State Administrative Agency Heads All State Administrative Agency Points of Contact
FROM:	C. Suzanne Mencer
	Director
SUBJECT:	Clarifying Eligibility of Local Units of Government to Receive ODP Funding

In response to several inquiries, ODP would like to take the opportunity to clarify guidance applicable to Fiscal Year 2004 grant programs.

Funds provided under the State Homeland Security Grant Program are granted directly to the State with the requirement that the State pass through no less than 80% of its total grant award to local units of government within the State.

The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108-90) defines "local unit of government" as any of the following: county, city, village, town, district, borough, port authority, transit authority, water district, regional planning commission, council of government, Indian tribe, authorized tribal organization, Alaska Native village, or other political subdivision of any state. As such, all of these entities are eligible to receive funding.

As a reminder, all funds must be utilized in accordance with and in support of goals and objectives identified in your homeland security strategy.

Questions related to this information bulletin may be directed to your ODP Preparedness Officer at (800) 368-6498. Thank you for your continued efforts and cooperation.