(Lansing, MI – 11/03/03) The State of Michigan received notice today of an award of $62.4 million under the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY 2004 Homeland Security Grant Program. This grant integrates the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP), and Citizen Corps Program (CCP) into a single application kit.

The three programs further provide the opportunity to enhance regional preparedness efforts. The Department of Homeland Security is encouraging states to employ regional approaches to planning and preparedness and to adopt regional response structures whenever appropriate.

"This is an additional step toward reaching the level of preparedness that is necessary to ensure the safety of Michigan’s residents", stated Captain John Ort, State Deputy Director of Homeland Security.. "We have much to accomplish, but residents and our dedicated first responders should be confident that we are better prepared and ready to deal with the threats that face us."

$47,362,000 is being provided for homeland security and emergency operations planning; the purchase of specialized equipment to enhance the capability of State and local agencies to prevent, respond to, and mitigate incidents of terrorism involving the use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) weapons and cyber attacks; for State CBRNE and cyber security training programs and cyber security exercises; and for costs associated with implementing the State Homeland Security Strategy.

The Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) will provide $14,054,000 to law enforcement to support the following prevention activities: information sharing to preempt terrorist attacks; target hardening; recognition of potential or developing threats; interoperable communications; and intervention of terrorists before they can execute a threat.

FY 2004 Citizen Corps Program funds will be used to support Citizen Corps Councils with planning, outreach, and management of Citizen Corps programs and activities. $984,000 has been allocated for this program.

The Michigan Department of State Police Emergency Management Division is coordinating the grant program for the state and will be working with local jurisdictions in allocating the funds.