The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released application guidance for more than $500 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants for fire station construction, port and transit security — funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“These Recovery Act funds will strengthen our economy while improving our ability to prepare for terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “The grants announced today will go directly to local projects, revitalizing communities while updating our nation’s infrastructure and enhancing our security.”

The guidance released last Friday includes $150 million for the Port Security Grant Program, $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program and $210 million for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program. Signed into law by the President on Feb. 17, ARRA committed more than $3 billion to DHS and GSA in support of homeland security programs across the country.

The Transit Security Grant Program provides $150 million to hire transit law enforcement officers, mobile explosive detection screening teams, and anti-terrorism teams; shovel-ready anti-terrorism security enhancements that must begin within 90 days of the release of funds and be completed within two years; and other security projects, including improvements to high-density tunnels, stations and bridges. These funds are in addition to the $388.6 million in DHS transit security grants announced in April 2009.

Applications for the Port Security Grant Program and Transit Security Grant Program will be submitted electronically to DHS-FEMA through www.grants.gov. Full guidance and more information on preparedness grant programs can be found at www.dhs.gov.