Local and county governments across Kentucky can beef up their protections against acts of terrorism through new federal dollars. Kentucky is awarding 31 grants totaling $3.3 million, with the funding coming from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kentucky Homeland Security Director Josh Keats said localities across the Commonwealth are facing increasing threats.
“Cyberattacks, ransomware, denial of service attacks are being leveraged against us from all over the world. So, that is definitely an increasing vulnerability we’re seeing across every sector, private, government, healthcare,” said Keats.
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security received 116 applications requesting nearly $13 million. In addition to city and county governments, funding also goes to hazardous materials teams, emergency medical services, law enforcement, a water district, and an area development district.
Grants were awarded in five categories including enhancing interoperable communications, enhancing the protection of soft targets and crowded places, and improving cybersecurity. Keats said some funding also went toward election security.