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Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor announced that the City of San Antonio will receive a $1 million federal investment for fiscal year 2017 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand and improve homeland security preparedness in that city.

The funds are part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and are specifically geared to address the unique planning, organization, training and equipment of urban areas that are at high risk for acts of terrorism. In Texas, only San Antonio, Houston and Dallas received these UASI funds.

This year is the first time San Antonio receives these funds since 2014. The UASI program is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security section of the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Congressman Cuellar serves on the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee where he has been an advocate for San Antonio.

“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 Cuellar. “San Antonio is the largest city in my district, and a signature city of Texas and the United States. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, 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.”

Mayor Taylor added, “Congressman Cuellar and I discussed this type of funding on my SA to DC trip. I am grateful that his hard work resulted in these badly needed funds. The recent event in London highlights the importance of preparedness and I am fortunate to have a strong partner in Congressman Cuellar to make public safety a top priority for San Antonio.”

For more information on the UASI program, visit https://www.fema.gov/fiscal-year-2017-homeland-security-grant-program.