Demings announces security grants for Central Florida

From US Representative Val Demings

Rep. Val Demings announced new federal anti-terror grants approved for Central Florida. These grants follow Orlando’s inclusion in the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program for the second year in a row, announced in April.

The first grant totals just over $1 million for Port Canaveral under the Port Security Grant Program. The second awards $290,000 to the Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando, the Jack and Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center, and Temple Israel to provide security assessments, enhancements, and training for the nonprofit institutions.

The grants awarded to Central Florida increased with UASI more than doubling to $3.25 million and the Nonprofit Security grant growing from $225,000.

Said Rep. Demings, “I am grateful that Central Florida is receiving the funding we need to ensure that our communities remain safe places to live, work, worship, and visit. Security is our top priority, and with these grants, the federal government is doing its part to help ensure we remain ahead of those seeking to do harm.”

Background

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) provides funding to help with anti-terrorism planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises in urban areas which could be targeted.

Orlando received $1.5 million in UASI funding in 2018 after a 4-year lapse. As Orlando’s former Chief of Police, Rep. Demings previously oversaw the use of UASI funding by OPD. Since her election in 2016, Rep. Demings has prioritized restoring anti-terror and preparedness funding for Central Florida.

Orlando’s competitive Nonprofit Security Grant funding is provided to jurisdictions that are awarded UASI funding.