The Department of Homeland Security yesterday announced a $1.5 million grant that will be issued to enhance the ability of local authorities to detect nuclear terrorism in Long Beach and Los Angeles.
The initiative includes a $1 million direct grant to local agencies and another $500,000 for training and will see DHS’ Nuclear Detection Office working with Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa’s office to help law enforcement identify and respond to potential nuclear and radiological threats.
“Countering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach,” Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said in a statement.”
The grants are the first attempt to further fund the Securing the Cities Initiative, which began in New York in 2006. The program will enhance detection of nuclear materials that could be used to incite a terrorist attack.
Los Angeles and Long Beach, both high-risk areas, have two of the largest ports in the nation. This grant, along with several others given by Homeland Security to the Port of Long Beach in the last few years by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aims to prevent attacks on these densely populated areas.
“The Securing the Cities program is a key component of the department’s efforts to protect our nation by enhancing our ability to detect and interdict illicit radiological and nuclear weapons or materials in major metropolitan areas,” Napolitano said.