"A central role of government is helping protect the safety and security of our people. Under my administration we have implemented a state strategic plan to strengthen our preparedness capabilities to help keep Missouri families safe," Gov. Blunt said. "The measures and funding priorities adopted by the council ensures the real security goals and objectives of this state are met. The changes we enacted also make certain that our partners in local governments have input into these decisions through the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committees."
"This latest round of federal homeland security dollars will enhance the challenging work already under way as we continue to take steps to toughen our initiatives," said Mark James Director of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor to the governor.
Missouri received approximately $11.9 million dollars in federal homeland security grants for Fiscal year 2008, excluding the separate funds provided to the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.
Funding decisions were based on the following justifications:
- Strengthen Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) Detection and Response
- Implement Regional Collaboration and Response through Missouri Emergency Resource Information System (MERIS) and Technical Solutions
- Strengthening Interoperable Communications Capabilities at Missouri's Regional and State Levels
- Sustain and Enhance Weapons of Mass Destruction Detection and Response
- Strengthen Planning and Citizen Preparedness Capabilities
- Strengthen Medical Surge and Mass Prophylaxis Capabilities
- Strengthen Information Sharing and Collaboration Capabilities
