FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 30, 2004
CONTACT: James Carstensen
202-225-5706

IOWA FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
CENTER RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDS

 CENTER TRAINS FIRST RESPONDERS IN TERRORISM RESPONSE

WASHINGTON, DC – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has announced the release of $346,317 in federal funds for the first responder-training program at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  The U.S. Department of Justice will be facilitating the funding release based on the work of Congressman Latham on behalf of the college.

“These funds are a vital resource for the security of Iowans and our goal of strong homeland security,” said Congressman Latham.  “This outstanding center will continue to be able to expand and enhance first responder and homeland security training for the state of Iowa.  Iowa Central Community College is the leader in helping our professional and volunteer public safety, fire, public health, National Guard, and emergency responder personnel prepare for worst case scenarios.”

This is the second year of funding secured by Latham for the center.  In that short period Latham has secured over $843,000 to train 6,800 first responders by the college’s Homeland Security Regional Training and Command Center.  The first responder training includes terrorism awareness, basic incident command, and bombing awareness.

The funds secured by Latham are among a series of funding initiatives through his work as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.  He has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for Iowa law enforcement, the Iowa National Guard, transportation projects, agriculture, environmental and public education initiatives, health care, community, economic and small business development.

-30-