"Our goal is to greatly enhance the collective preparedness of the nation while making certain that finite resources are directed to areas most at risk and to solutions that are innovative and regionally driven," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "The department is committed to ensuring that our partners have the training, equipment, and resources they need to become better prepared."
In fiscal year 2006, DHS adopted a risk and effectiveness-based approach to allocating funding for certain programs within HSGP. This approach aligns federal resources with national priorities and targets capabilities established by the Interim National Preparedness Goal to generate the highest return on investment in increasing the nation's level of preparedness.
"Preparedness must be a shared responsibility," said Tracy Henke, Assistant Secretary for the DHS Preparedness Directorate's Office of Grants and Training. "State and local homeland security professionals from across the nation played a significant role in the design and implementation of this fiscal year's grant program. By collaborating, we ensure consistency of effort and a common vision of preparedness."
HSGP funds can be used for planning, organization, equipment, training, exercises, management, and administration costs. The 2006 funds are in addition to the approximately $10 billion already delivered to state and local governments by the department's Office of Grants and Training since September 11, 2001.
