Utah gets federal aid for security

Utah will receive $20.3 million in grants from the Department of Homeland Security to beef up planning and preparedness programs.

The state's share of the total $2.5 billion the department will give out in 2005 will be used for equipment, training, planning and exercises, officials said Friday.

Utah must apply for the money by submitting an application within the next 45 days. The Utah Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security is preparing the state's application, said Derek Jensen, information officer for the division.

"After the state's application is received, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then has 15 days to respond. Following their response, our state has 60 days to obligate the funds to state and local agencies," Jensen said.

State and local governments now have 120 days to draw down funds in advance of purchase and investments, compared to the three to five days allowed previously so that even small localities can buy expensive equipment, the Homeland Security Department said.

Utah received its funds based on a formula consisting of a baseline amount plus a population factor. The announced $2.5 billion in new funds are in addition to a previous release of $9 billion in funds given last year.

More information on the State Homeland Security Program is on its Web site, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/docs/fy04hsgp.pdf.