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Allegany, Garrett get thousands in federal funds

Department of Homeland security grant awards decreased for both counties

Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Allegany and Garrett counties have been allocated thousands of federal dollars in Department of Homeland Security grants, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Through the State Homeland Security Grant program, the federal department allocates funding annually to Maryland’s state government, which in turn distributes the money to county emergency management and law enforcement agencies. The funding is intended to support homeland security projects and preparation at the local level.

Allegany received $233,182, down from about $270,000 in 2008, according to Dick DeVore, chief of the emergency management division of the Allegany County Department of Public Safety. Garrett County received $154,362, about 10 percent less than its allocation in 2008, said Public Safety and Emergency Management Director Brad Frantz. Since fiscal 2007, Allegany has received a total of $822,700 in federal homeland security funds, while Garrett has received $544,000.

The federal department allocated just under $17 million to Maryland in fiscal 2009, part of $861.3 million distributed nationwide.

Garrett County law enforcement will receive about 25 percent of the county's total allocation. Sheriff Gary Berkebile said one of his top priorities for that money is to develop communication interoperability among county emergency services.

“We’re glad to have it and we will put it to good use,” he added.

Allegany County will take advantage of an opportunity provided by a slight change in funding use guidelines, DeVore said.

“Prior to this round of funding, if equipment was purchased with the money it was the county’s responsibility to pay for maintenance,” he explained. “This round of funding now allows us to provide some maintenance to equipment we’ve already purchased.”

At least 25 percent of the funds must be used for planning, training or exercises for law enforcement terrorism prevention, according to the federal department. Up to 50 percent of the grants can be used to pay personnel costs, including operational overtime, intelligence sharing, participation in trainings and hiring consultants. No more than 3 percent can be used for management and administrative costs.

In a Dec. 8 news release, department secretary Janet Napolitano announced a reduction in next year’s total State Homeland Security grants. The total allocation will drop from $861.3 million to $842 million.



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Garrett County To Receive $183K From Homeland Security Program


Oct. 30, 2008

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced last Thursday that nearly $26.7 million in homeland security grant funds had been awarded to local communities in Maryland. The funds are part of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant programs for state and local government.
Garrett County will receive $183,077, the least amount of the state's counties and three select cities. Allegany County was awarded $326,137.

Baltimore City will receive the most Homeland Security funding in the state at $2.42 million, plus $11.39 million from the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative. Annapolis will receive $404,763, and Ocean City will get $400,531.

Baltimore County was awarded the most Homeland Security funding, $1.25 million, of the counties, followed by Prince George's, $1.34 million, Montgomery, $1.27 million, and Anne Arundel, $1.06 million.

"Even in difficult economic times, providing safety and security for the people of Maryland remains one of government’s primary functions," noted O'Malley. "The demands on our public safety community do not decline when available resources are limited. In spite of a reduction in federal funding, we remain committed to providing the resources necessary for the brave men and women who serve as first responders."

Once again this year, the governor passed through 85 percent of the available funds under the State Homeland Security Grant Program to local governments, despite a minimum legal mandate of 80 percent. The state also passed through 98.5 percent of the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative.

Funds are being provided to every county in Maryland, Baltimore City, Ocean City, and Annapolis. Funding amounts were determined by providing a baseline amount to each jurisdiction, with the balance of funds allocated using a formula calculating each jurisdiction’s risk level. The formula was developed by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in coordination with emergency management and law enforcement personnel from local jurisdictions.

"We understand that many local jurisdictions in Maryland are facing severe budget conditions, which is why we continue to pass though more homeland security money to local governments than federal law mandates," said MEMA director Richard Muth. "I would like to thank my staff at MEMA and their colleagues at other state agencies, along with our local partners, for spending this money where it will do the most good."

Each of the local jurisdictions receiving funds – the 23 counties, plus Annapolis, Baltimore, and Ocean City – will receive an average of about 11 percent less than last year, mirroring the reduction in total funding to the state.

Funds will be used for a variety of projects, including providing protective equipment to first responders, hardening critical infrastructure, and building interoperable communications systems.

The $2.7 million in funds for the state will be used to support equipment purchases for state agencies, state-funded regional response units, and other state-wide initiatives. Local responders and emergency managers will also benefit from much of the state's portion of the federal funds, according to O'Malley's office.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350