Nashville, Tennessee --- Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that Tennessee has been awarded $20.6 million in federal Homeland Security grants, a $550,000 increase over last year.

The grants will be distributed to Tennessee’s 11 Homeland Security Districts to help first responders improve readiness, response and recovery capabilities for both natural and man-made emergencies.

“These awards enhance our capabilities and effectiveness in preventing and preparing for disasters,” Bredesen said. “The devastating tornadoes that took lives and property earlier this year remind us of the importance of being prepared and these grants will help provide our first responders with the tools and support they need to do their job.”

The federal Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) included the following grants:

• State Homeland Security Funds (SHSP) - $12.9 million to enhance capabilities through planning, equipment, training and exercise activities. States must dedicate at least 25 percent of SHSP funds to law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.
• Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) - $4.45 million to Memphis to build capabilities in high-threat, high-density urban areas across the country.
• Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) - $1.78 million to Nashville to build capabilities in high-threat, high-density urban areas across the country. This is the first time Nashville became eligible for the UASI grant.
• Metropolitan Medical Response (MMRS) - $1.28 million to Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga to enhance mass casualty preparedness and response capabilities.
• Citizen Corps Program (CCP) - $286 thousand to engage citizens in community preparedness.

The five grant programs support objectives outlined in the National Preparedness Guidelines, the National Incident Management System, the National Response Framework, and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.