With terrorist acts springing up regularly around the globe, the City of San Antonio has received a $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to improve preparedness in cities which are considered to be at 'high risk for terrorism,' News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The grants were awarded to the cities of San Antonio, Houston and Dallas in Texas.“The Urban Areas Security Initiative has a proven track record for providing first responders the support, training and tools needed to respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, who, along with Mayor Ivy Taylor, announced the grant.
“San Antonio is the largest city in my district, and a signature city of Texas and the United States. I believe in keeping our communities safe by providing the federal funding necessary to support the men and women who work tirelessly every day to protect our way of life.”
The grant will go toward several programs designed to protect the City from terrorist threats, and to efforts to detect and thwart terrorist activity in and around San Antonio. One of the main goals of the grant is to improve communication between various law enforcement agencies.
“Congressman Cuellar and I discussed this type of funding during my SA to DC trip. I am grateful that his hard work resulted in these badly needed funds,” said Mayor Taylor. “The recent event in London highlights the importance of preparedness, and I’m fortunate to have a strong partnership with Congressman Cuellar and the rest of the congressional delegation to make public safety a top priority for San Antonio.”