For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
PHILADELPHIA— Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson traveled to Philadelphia where he delivered keynote remarks at the National Homeland Security Association’s 2014 National Homeland Security Conference, highlighting the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) important partnerships with state and local governments, as well as first responders, to strengthen safety and enhance security.
During his remarks, Secretary Johnson discussed the importance of continuing critical partnerships with state and local officials, as well as first responders, as we continue to learn from and adapt to ever-evolving threats and hazards. He highlighted the Department’s efforts to enhance preparedness and resilience at all levels of government to build greater capabilities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from a broad range of threats through grant funding.
In March, DHS announced the FY 2014 Funding Opportunity Announcements for six DHS preparedness grant programs totaling over $1.6 billion, including $587 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding—enhancing regional preparedness and capabilities for the nation’s 39 high-risk, high-density urban areas and funding the highest number of urban areas nation-wide since FY 2010.
Secretary Johnson also highlighted the “Strengthening Departmental Unity of Effort” initiative, a Secretary-level priority to ensure that the Department invests and operates in a cohesive, unified fashion, and makes decisions that build true unity of effort across our components. The initiative will enhance effectiveness and efficiency at the Department level while preserving and strengthening the value of each of our components, and will allow the Department to further improve our important role as an effective partner to states and cities.
Earlier today, Secretary Johnson traveled to New London, Conn., where he delivered the Commencement Address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s 133rd Commencement.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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