 May 07, 2003
"Alaska's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Services is in the process of preparing grant applications for supplemental funding from the federal government," Murkowski said. "We're excited by the opportunities to provide improved security and protection for our fellow Alaskans. We appreciate the combined efforts of the ODP and the National Governor's Association in securing this funding for us. We are also seeking legislative authority to receive the federal funds for a previous original grant in the amount of $4.9 million, along with this new supplemental grant amount of $13.23 million." Concurrently, the State of Alaska is working on local jurisdiction application packages for sub-granting funds from both sources and hopefully reducing the work that would be required at the local level. According to Sam Johnson, Assistant Commissioner for Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the allocation for the State of Alaska is $11,466,000 for first responder preparedness, which includes equipment, exercises, training, planning, and administrative costs. "Some $9,172,800 or 80% must be passed through to local governments and entities, while the state can retain $2,293,200 or 20%," Johnson said. "We also have $1,764,000 for critical infrastructure protection. This includes overtime costs, contract security costs, and state-ordered National Guard deployment costs required to augment security during the period of hostilities with Iraq, which were incurred between March 17 and April 16 of this year." Johnson also noted that funds not used to cover costs during this period can be retained through the end of the award period up to 24 months for use in conjunction with future periods of heightened threat. "Should this arise, we've been told that guidance for use of these funds will be provided by the Federal Department of Homeland Security. $882,000 must be passed through to local governments and entities with the state retaining an equal amount," Johnson said. The grant application is due by May 30th of this year with all funds being obligated within 45 days of the award date.
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