The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) -- The Homeland Security Department has allocated $45.9 million to Massachusetts to enhance first responders’ efforts to fight terrorism.
The grant is part of a $725 million nationwide allotment announced on Thursday for urban areas to bolster security and terrorism preparedness.
In Massachusetts, the money was separated into three programs: $34.8 million will go to the State Homeland Security program to enhance capabilities at the local and state level; $10.3 million will go to the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program that focuses on the prevention of weapons of mass destruction; and an additional $724,000 will support the Citizen Corps Councils for outreach activities.
Boston will receive $19.1 million and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will receive $1.6 million.
Most of the national grant -- $675 million -- will flow to 50 urban areas, including New York, Chicago, Washington, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Sacramento, Calif. New York City was allotted the most money -- more than $47 million.
The remaining $50 million will be allocated through the states for mass transit security agencies. The funds will be used for security improvements, including the installation of barricades and monitoring systems, such as video surveillance and motion detectors.
For the first time, state officials can apply online for the grants, which are funded from the Office for Domestic Preparedness in the Department of Homeland Security.
“No longer will our state and local partners have to go to different places within the department to apply for terrorism-related funding. It ensures that nationwide, Homeland Security officials have one place where they can tap into the resources as well as the information they need,” Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said in a statement on Thursday.