Montana gets $9M for border security

U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently announced that communities across the state will receive funding through four separate grants to support security initiatives and programs at the state, local, and Tribal levels.

The grants — adding up to $9,390,333 in total — will provide funding for statewide, local, and Tribal governments and nonprofits to prevent and respond to terrorist threats, secure national borders, and prepare for other hazards that would threaten the safety of Montanans.

“Strengthening our national security isn’t just up to the federal government,” said Tester. “State, local, and Tribal law enforcement all play a part in keeping our communities safe, and these grants will ensure they have the tools they need to protect Montanans.”

The four grants are funded by the Department of Homeland Security to help states and communities prepare for and respond to security threats.

As ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester played a key role in securing funding for the following programs during the FY2019 budget negotiations:

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - $4,077,500

The SHSP provides states with funding to implement homeland security strategies that address local security threats through deliberate planning and training.

This year, Montana will receive more than $4 million from SHSP, 80% of which will pass-through to local communities.

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) - $1,878,212

The OPSG program provides funding to boost cooperation between federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies defending America’s borders.

Montana will receive nearly $2 million in OPSG funding this year that will be divided amongst various counties.

Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) - $3,299,499

The EMPG Program provides states with funding to bolster and sustain emergency preparedness and management at the state, local, and Tribal levels. Montana will receive more than $3 million in EMPG funding this year that will be divided among participating counties and Tribes.

Fiscal Year 2019 Nonprofit Security Grant Program - $135,122

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides certain nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attacks with funding for physical security enhancement and target hardening. These organizations are pre-selected and not individually named for security reasons.