MONTGOMERY- Alabama will receive more than $12.7 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008.

These grants are the primary sources of federal funding for building and sustaining the nation’s ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and disasters. Alabama will see an increased amount of money in each grant category for fiscal year 2008 even though Alabama’s neighboring states regrettably will not. This is also the first year for the State Homeland Security Program Tribal Supplement in which the Poarch Creek Tribe received 100% of their requested funding.

“The infusion of this grant funding allows us to further develop homeland security capabilities to protect and serve our citizens,” Director Jim Walker said. “In many instances, this funding is the lifeblood for Alabama’s first responders, whether they serve in rural or urban parts of our state.”

The grant amounts are categorized below. More information about the individual grant programs is available online at www.dhs.gov.

State Homeland Security Program (SHSGP) including Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP): 11,170,000

State Homeland Security Program Tribal Supplement: 70,000

Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS): $1,284,884

Citizen Corps Program (CCP): $242,636

AL DHS will receive the official grant spending paperwork in August. Alabama counties and tribe can start their spending programs in early October.

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For more information, contact AL DHS Public Information Manager Lauren Bethune at 334-956-7254.