Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is releasing a total of $1.87 million in grant funding to support emergency preparedness efforts in New Mexico.

"This investment in New Mexico will help strengthen our state's emergency and response efforts," Bingaman said.

The grants announced today include:

• $800,677 for the state of New Mexico: Funding was provided through the Driver's License Security Grant Program (DLSGP), which helps states improve security of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards in order to reduce fraud and enhance the reliability and accuracy of personal identification documents.
• $600,000 for Lea County: Funding was provided through the Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program, which supports the construction or renovation of Emergency Operations Centers to improve state, local or tribal emergency management and preparedness capabilities to ensure continuity of operations during disasters.
• $334,000 for the state of New Mexico: Funding was provided through the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP), which assists governments in carrying out initiatives identified in Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans and improves interoperable emergency communications used to respond to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
• $138,307 for Industrial Bus Lines, Inc. DBA All Aboard America!: Funding was provide through the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP), which helps operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services develop security plans, and assists with facility security upgrades and vehicle and driver protection.