$3 billion in federal counterterrorism grants available

The department also agreed to spread aid for immigration law enforcement to states with international water as well as land borders, and to let grants be used to store - not just purchase - emergency supplies such as prepackaged food, water and medicines.

Some of the highlights of the funding available include: $1.7 billion for the Homeland Security Grant Program, including: $861.3 million for the State Homeland Security Program that strengthens and builds preparedness capabilities through planning, equipment, training and exercise activities; $798.6 million to the Urban Areas Security Initiative to enhance regional preparedness in 62 high-threat, high-density urban areas; $39.8 million for the Metropolitan Medical Response System Programs divided among the nation's MMRS jurisdictions for regional mass casualty incident response and preparedness; $14.6 million for the Citizen Corps Program to bring community and government leaders together to engage citizens in preparedness, response and recovery activities.

The grants will also fund target-hardening activities at nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attack, allow states to enhance law enforcement and border security operations, protect critical transit infrastructure, including freight rail and intercity passenger rail. Money also will be available to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism and to increase preparedness for jurisdictions responsible for protecting critical infrastructure sites such as chemical facilities and nuclear power plants. Grant funds also will be available for intercity bus security, trucking security, emergency management performance, interoperable emergency communications and regional catastrophic preparedness.

Government entities seeking assistance in pinpointing these grant funds, applying for and securing them can get help from Strategic Partnerships, Inc.'s new Community Resources Division.