Homeland Security Grant Schools
Schools can be vulnerable targets for terrorist attacks. Although the U.S. has been spared such tragedies in the years following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Beslan massacre in Russia by Chechen terrorists illustrates the potential magnitude and horror of such an incident. For that reason, the Department of Homeland Security offers funding, training and resources to keep schools safe through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
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This program dedicates funds to law enforcement for planning, organization, training, exercise and equipment for the prevention of terrorism. The funds are distributed through the State Administrative Agency (SAA) that exercises discretion in how the funds are allocated at the state level. Grants are based on three factors: minimum amounts as legislatively mandated, the vulnerability of the target, as well as the potential effectiveness of the proposed security upgrade. The total funding available for this program in 2010 was $842 million.
Urban Areas Security Initiative (USAI)
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The USAI enhances security in major metropolitan areas with at least a quarter of funding going to law enforcement prevention-oriented training. Schools that are located within the top 64 high-risk urban areas are eligible for funds in this program. These urban areas are divided into Tier I and Tier II categories. The ten Tier I areas were eligible for up to $524,487,600 of aid in 2010. The remaining 54 Tier II areas were eligible for $308,032,400.
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Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
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The purpose of OPSG is to enhance border security via cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Schools in counties that lie along the Canadian and Mexican borders, as well as in states with international water borders, may be eligible for funding. Awards are granted upon the magnitude of risk and the effectiveness of the proposed security enhancements. As of 2010, the program had $60 million of funding.
Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
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MMRS provides grants for improving emergency management, health and medical systems in the event of mass casualty incidents. Funds are divided equally within 124 jurisdictions and, in turn, may be allocated to schools at the discretion of the SAA. This program had $39.36 million in funding as of 2010.
Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
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The CCP seeks to coordinate community and government efforts in relation to emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation and recovery. Schools are an important locus of this effort. As of 2010, this program had $12.48 million of funding to be allocated in all U.S. states and territories.
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