(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced the opening of the application period for the Homeland Security Grant Program Wednesday.

The purpose of the Fiscal Year 2020 HSGP grant is to provide funds to eligible entities to support state, local, tribal and territorial efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events, and to prepare the nation for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. The deadline to apply for the grant is March 25, 2020.

“We face ever-evolving threats to our communities in areas like cyber security, active shooters and terrorism,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “The Homeland Security Grant Program is a great opportunity for agencies to apply for funding to assist in closing any possible gaps in their capabilities to deal with these threats.”

Georgia agencies are eligible for funds in the following FY 2020 grant programs:

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): SHSP assists state, local, tribal and territorial efforts to build, sustain and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism. For example, SHSP funds can be utilized for enhancing cybersecurity and intelligence and information sharing through cybersecurity risk assessments, training and planning.

Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI): UASI assists high-threat, high-density urban areas efforts to build, sustain and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism. UASI funds can be used in part, for physical security enhancement for the protection of soft targets/crowded places by funding things like operational overtime, security cameras and security screening equipment.

Applications will only be accepted on-line via the new Georgia EMGrantsPro System. GEMA/HS is the state Administrative Authority for this program. Applicants needing grant support should contact the GEMA/HS Preparedness Grants Department at (404) 635-7095, or by email at [email protected].

 

As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s “Ready Georgia” campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Visit www.gema.ga.gov  for more information.

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