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Federal Monet For Homeland Security

By WKYU-FM

Somerset, KY – Somerset is getting federal funding for a new homeland security center.
A $7.5 million grant from FEMA will create a National Incident Management System (NIMS) to be located in the Valley View Technology Complex in Somerset. Fifth district Congressman Hal Rogers announced the grant at opening ceremonies Monday.
The regional center will improve the ability of first responders to communicate across jurisdictional lines during emergencies. The U. S. Homeland Security Department has an agreement with Eastern Kentucky University to establish NIMS>
The regional center will be operated by defense contractor SAIC and will employ 60 people by the end of the year.
Kentucky universities and collegs will receive more than $9 million in federal funding for a variety of homeland security projects.
Western kentucky University will get more than $750,000 to develop a system to detect and locate leaks in pressurized rail cars. WKU will also work with the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville on a dairy security project.
Morehead State University, Eastern kentucky University, UK and Alice Lloyd College will work on protective wall treatment materials. A total of twelve homeland security projects are funded through the Kentucky Homeland Security Consortium.
Congressman Rogers is the chair of the House Appropriations Committee subcommittee on Homeland Security.