Commissioner Miller announces over $600,000 will be awarded for anti-terrorism related expenses
Oak Forest, Ill. — The Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) was awarded UASI grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is administered by the State of Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (D-6th) said “DHSEM informed me of the UASI grant opportunity for local jurisdictions.I reached out to the municipalities in the 6th District to inform them and encourage them to apply. I am pleased to announce that the 6th District will receive over $600,000 in funding for urban security.”
The UASI grant program is designed to assist high-threat, high density urban areas in order to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism. Municipalities awarded project funding include: Bridgeview (Fire Department-Ballistic Helmets, Vests and Carriers), Chicago Heights (Fire Department – MCI Bags; Police Dept. – Operation Overwatch), Dolton (Water System Security), Justice (Early Warning System), Oak Forest (Homeland Security Communications Tower & Resiliency Improvements), and Tinley Park (ALPR Technology System).
Mayor Kuspa of Oak Forest stated, “The addition of a new communications tower will allow the City of Oak Forest to increase integration of radio signals and expand all City services that currently use microwave technology. This will also increase coverage for all back-up systems. A new communications tower will ensure that the City can continue to provide efficient and effective services to the residents of Oak Forest.”
“Cook County is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country and faces threats associated with large urban areas,” said William Barnes, Executive Director of DHSEM. “The projects municipalities are undertaking will help to make all of the County’s residents more secure.”
Commissioner Miller noted that DHSEM received 25 applications for consideration saying, “I am gratified that some of our municipalities applied for and will receive this needed funding.” Miller added, “I pray we will not have an incident, but we must remain ever vigilant and prepared, and this funding will assist in that endeavor”.
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