North Dakota Receives Nearly $11 Million In Homeland Security Funding

Gov. John Hoeven announced the State of North Dakota has received $10,788,443 from the FY 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) through the efforts of the N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), its Advisory Committee and subcommittees.

"Our state department of Homeland Security has put together a strong partnership with a broad array of community representatives, including cities, counties, local law enforcement, firefighters and emergency services," Hoeven said. "Together, they drafted an application that compares favorably with other states. The strength of the state's Homeland Security strategy resulted in a ranking, and funding, higher than states of similar size and population. Comments by reviewers indicated the application was the result of 'thoughtful planning, consideration and creativity.' This is indicative of the strong partnerships NDDES has with the Advisory Committee."
This year's award allocates $6,270,000 for the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP); $4,350,000 for the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program; and $168,443 for the Citizens Corps Program. This year's grant is $2,061,306 less than the previous year. Since 2002, North Dakota has received $71,120,180 in Homeland Security funding.

"The Advisory Committee members have provided needed insight and direction, ensuring all disciplines are represented at the table when discussing Homeland Security dollars and initiatives," said Greg Wilz, Director of the NDDES Division of Homeland Security.

Grant dollars will be used to fund the nine categories submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which include: law enforcement investigation and operations; intelligence and information sharing continuance; National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Response Program (NRP) compliance; critical infrastructure program; explosive device response training; Citizen Corps Program continuance; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) response and continued development of statewide interoperable communications.

The 12-member Advisory Committee, formed by the 2005 Legislature, represents a cross-section of first responder and governmental disciplines. Members of the Advisory Committee include: Major General Mike Haugen, the Director of NDDES and the Adjutant General; Chief Charles Rummel, North Dakota Police Officers' Association; Mike Ressler, N.D. Information Technology Department; Tim Wiedrich, N.D. Department of Health; Dean Lampe, North Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association; Dan Smith, representing INFRAGARD; Mark Johnson, N.D. Association of Counties; Connie Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota League of Cities; Jerry Bergquist, Stutsman County 911 Coordinator; Colonel Bryan Klipfel, North Dakota.