Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today the Department of Homeland Security has awarded more than $8 million to Tampa Bay area law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.

The Tampa Bay area will receive $7.8 million through the Urban Areas Security Initiative and FEMA. Nationwide, the Department of Homeland Security designated about $800 million to 62 high-threat, high-density urban areas. The money will help the community prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks. The Tampa Police Department intends to use the money to finish updating radio communications systems so law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties can communicate seamlessly.

“When law enforcement agencies use different systems, communications can be difficult, as they were during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,” Castor said. “That’s a dangerous situation that we must avoid. As we know, homeland security is hometown security. This funding is critically important in enabling our communities to prepare against and respond to disasters.”

Tampa Police Assistant Chief Jane Castor said: “The Tampa Bay urban areas are pleased to hear we’re receiving $7.8 million in UASI funding, which should allow for completion of our interoperability plan. That will allow communication among all public safety entities within Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.”

Florida is also receiving:

• $2.2 million through the Metropolitan Medical Response System. The funding will better enable agencies to prepare for and respond to a mass casualty in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale.
  
  
• $34.1 million through the State Homeland Security Program to implement homeland security strategies, such as preventing and recovering from terrorist or other catastrophic events.

• $630,795 through the Citizen Corps Program, which will enable community and government leaders to engage residents in community preparedness, response and recovery activities.

• $1.2 million through the Urban Areas Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Tampa will receive $75,000. The money will be used to strengthen nonprofit organizations at high risk for a terrorist attack.

• $173,000 for the Seminole Tribe through the State Homeland Security Program, to help the tribe prepare and respond to threats.