NJOHSP Announces $39.4 Million in Federal Homeland Security Grant Funding

On Sep 17, 2018

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) announced that it has been awarded a total of $39,427,930 in federal homeland security grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery of emerging security threats throughout the state.

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) contains several key funding streams, including the Jersey City/Newark Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), totaling $22,750,000 in funding, and the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), totaling $7,993,000 in funding. These two grant streams support public and private stakeholder efforts in combating acts of terrorism and other threats. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), totaling $8,684,930 ($8,388,505 for NSGP-Urban Areas and $296,425 for NSGP-State), will go toward improving physical security measures to the facilities of nonprofit organizations within and near New Jersey’s UASI and Metropolitan Statistical Area deemed to be at the greatest risk of attack.

The NSGP dollar figure represents a significant increase from previous grant cycles (i.e., federal fiscal year 2017 was $3.8 million), allowing nonprofit organizations greater ability to implement needed physical security measures that will ultimately make their facilities safer. Additionally, this funding opportunity has facilitated greater collaboration and understanding between the recipient organizations and law enforcement agencies across New Jersey.

“New Jersey’s top priority is public safety and increased grant funding will enable our state to be more proactive in preparing for and responding to all potential threats,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “These grants help support our goal of improving the strength and resiliency of every community across New Jersey by ensuring that law enforcement agencies and organizations are able to work together to keep our state safe and secure for all residents.”

The state faces a complex threat environment due to its location between two of the nation’s largest cities and because it has the highest population density of any other state in the nation. Under the HSGP, each state is evaluated to determine its risk profile, which places a numerical value to represent the state’s threat level. In 2018, New Jersey ranked 10th nationwide. The Jersey City/Newark UASI is ranked sixth out of the 32 UASI regions nationally.

During his recent testimony before the US Congressional Committee on Homeland Security, NJOHSP Director Jared Maples stressed the importance of strengthening prevention efforts throughout the State. This additional funding will further NJOHSP’s ability to take a strategic approach to security by supporting and building prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery capabilities.

“The reality is that we live in uncertain times, and the tragic acts that unfurl around us on a daily basis demonstrate the importance of this funding,” said Jared Maples, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “NJOHSP’s main priority is to build upon the strength and resiliency of every town and city within New Jersey. This funding will provide organizations within our communities resources to combat terror and promote safety.”

The grants must be used for the purchase and installation of physical security equipment or for security-related training for organizational personnel. This extra security funding allows nonprofits to invest in tools that promote safety for the State’s residents and visitors.

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