06.01.06 Milwaukee Awarded $8.57 Million in Federal Funding For Emergency Preparedness

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

MILWAUKEE URBAN AREA AWARDED $8.57 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

MILWAUKEE (June 1, 2006) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is pleased to announce that the US Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Milwaukee Urban Area a total of $8,570,000, as part of the FY 2006 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program. This is an increase of more than $2 million over last year's award and the largest award in the state.

This funding will be used over a two-year period to enhance the region's capabilities to prevent, respond, and recover from a terrorist or "all-hazards" incident, including natural or man-made disasters. The funding will be distributed across police, fire, public health, and citizen preparedness organizations in the City of Milwaukee and throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties.

"This grant will greatly assist our efforts throughout southeast Wisconsin to increase our safety, security, and preparedness efforts," said Barrett. "This grant allows for a truly regional approach to bring together multiple agencies from various public safety disciplines to enhance our security."

This is the third year the Milwaukee Urban Area has received Homeland Security funding under the Urban Area Security Initiative Program.

Officials from each county are currently meeting to discuss prioritization for the funding. Initiatives include security cameras to protect critical infrastructure, enhancement of regional and interdisciplinary communications and preparedness for large-scale medical and biological catastrophes.

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