Homeland security division receives grants

The state's division of homeland security has raked in more than $9 million in grants this year.

That's a nearly $5 million increase from last year.

Utah received $6.8 million from the State Homeland Security Program, which will be used to buy equipment, as well as for planning, training and exercises.

The Urban Area Security Initiative gave the state a $1.85 million grant. Salt Lake City and other surrounding areas will use the money to enhance security capabilities.

The state also received two annual grants from Metropolitan Medical Response System and Citizen Corp.

"We are extremely pleased with these awards, and we feel like it's the result of strong partnerships working together to solve critical first responder challenges," said Col. Keith Squires, Utah's director of homeland security.