ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando will receive $1.5 million in anti-terrorism funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, officials announced Monday.
U.S. Reps. Val Demings, Stephanie Murphy and Darren Soto, all of whom represent Central Florida, said the money comes from the agency's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program.
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It's the first time since 2014 that Orlando has received UASI funding, and it's the most funding the city has received from the program since 2012.
Last year, prompted by the terror attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando police Chief John Mina and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings testified in front of Congress asking for anti-terror funding again.
“Not too long ago, our community endured a tragic act of terrorism at the Pulse nightclub shooting, becoming one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in our nation since September 11," U.S. Rep. Darren Soto said. "UASI funds will enhance preparedness and prevention against terrorist threats and other disasters."
After the announcement Mina said the funding will help cover training and equipment for police, deputies, fire and emergency management staff.
"Anytime you can train, it helps save as many lives as possible," Mina said.
Mina said this year, the UASI funding risk assessment factored in tourists visiting the area and the number of events Central Florida hosts, including sporting events. Orlando hosted more than 72 million visitors last year.
"Thank goodness, this year our tireless advocacy has finally paid off. Every one of us, and every visitor to Central Florida, should feel safe while enjoying a day of fun or work, a night of entertainment or a morning of worship,” U.S. Rep. Val Demings said. “When Orlando first received UASI funding, I oversaw its use as Orlando’s chief of police. Now, as Orlando’s representative on the Homeland Security Committee, I am grateful and relieved that the Department of Homeland Security has revised the formula to consider all that Orlando has to offer and accurately respect the security challenges in America’s most-visited city."
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy said protecting the Orlando-area community should always be a top priority.
"As one of the nation’s most popular destinations, Orlando needs and deserves federal support to keep residents and visitors safe,” she said. “I’m proud to have successfully fought alongside congresswoman Demings and congressman Soto to bring this anti-terrorism funding back to Central Florida so local law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations have the resources they need to prevent tragedies.”
In total, law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations in 32 cities around the nation, including Orlando, Tampa and Miami, will receive UASI funding this year.
Officials can use the funding to buy homeland security equipment, conduct training exercises, train and pay first responders and enhance security in order to protect high-profile locations, including stadiums, public transit and theme parks.