WASHINGTON -- Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin announced today that Maryland has been awarded $28,037,000 in recent grants from the Department of Homeland Security to enhance the capabilities of state and local first responder groups. First Responders include police, fire and health care workers.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, these funds can be used for equipment, training, planning and exercises for first responders. In addition, a portion of the funds is available to help offset the costs associated with enhanced security measures deployed under the heightened threat period during the conflict in Iraq.

The Congressman, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said "these funds are a result of a detailed threat assessment and will be important in helping our state prepare for any possible terrorist attacks."

March 7, 2003 - $10,585,000 was made available to the state of Maryland from the FY’03 budget to assist first responders in the form of funding for equipment, training, planning and exercises. The money was awarded in May, 2003.

April 8, 2003 - $18,200,000 was made available from the FY ’03 Budget for as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative for the National Capital Region to enhance the ability of the region’s first responders to secure its population and critical infrastructure.

May 14, 2003 - $42,409,851 was allocated from the FY ’03 Supplemental Budget as part of the second round of Urban Area Security Initiative for the National Capital Region to enhance the ability of the region’s first responders to secure its population and critical infrastructure.

May 14, 2003 - $10,900,944 was allocated from the FY ’03 Supplemental Budget as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative for the National Capital Region to enhance the ability of the region’s first responders to secure its population and critical infrastructure.

May 14, 2003 - $1,225,952 was allocated from the FY ’03 Supplemental Budget in the form of a grant for the Maryland Mass Transit Administration for operational activities conducted under the heightened alert level during the conflict in Iraq, for area monitoring systems, integrated communications systems, installation of physical barricades and prevention planning, training and exercises.

The Department of Homeland Security has made available more than $4.4 billion nationwide in funding for grants since March 1, 2003 for first responder groups and state and local governments to enhance response and preparedness capabilities.