County gets homeland security funds

By Staff
Jason Houston Acting Publisher
Franklin County officials met recently with Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker to beginning planning the distribution of grant funding received through the fiscal year 2006 State Homeland Security Grant Program.
Franklin County will received more than $60,000 to spend on homeland security planning, training, exercises, and equipment, according to a press release from Walker's office this week. Under a plan approved by Gov. Bob Riley, every Alabama county will receive funding to improve its ability to prevent, protect, and respond to terrorism-related activities.
"The safety of all Alabamians is our highest priority," Riley said. "All 67 counties in Alabama will receive homeland security grants this year. We work with every county to help each make important improvements in their homeland security capabilities and county programs."
The Franklin County proposal, agreed to by county, municipality, and public safety officials throughout the county, requests the purchase of information technology equipment, a generator, and credentialing system to assist in county homeland security efforts.
"We will be able to increase our capabilities in Franklin County with this funding," EMA Director Carol Frederick said. "We will be able to fund projects we've already begun like establishing our medium rescue team. We are very appreciative of the funding we've received from the Alabama Department of Homeland Security. We've been able to acquire things and accomplish things that we would never have been to do in Franklin County."
In June 2006, Alabama received the highest possible effectiveness rating for a state homeland security program, as determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a panel of more than 100 experts from around the country.
"With strong cooperation and leadership from our counties, we will only get better," Walker said.