Skip to main content

Quigley, Durbin Announce Homeland Security Grants for Illinois

July 29, 2015

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, announced over $100 million in vital Homeland Security preparedness grants for fiscal year 2015 to the State of Illinois and the greater Chicago area.

"As the only Illinois member on the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I am in a unique position to understand the complex security needs of Chicago and drive money back to our region that will help keep my constituents safe," said Rep. Quigley. "These Homeland Security grants will help fund a variety of efforts that strengthen our ability to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and major natural disasters. I'm proud to fight for the interests of my city and state alongside my fellow appropriator, Senator Durbin, and ensure federal funds are brought back home to Chicago and Illinois."

"This funding will help equip Illinois first responders and emergency preparedness officials back home with the tools they need to respond effectively and efficiently when disaster strikes," said Senator Durbin. "Although we may not always know when emergencies will occur, we do know we can better protect our communities by planning ahead, and today's investment will help achieve that goal."

Chicago area grant awards include:

  • $10,102,225 in Transit Security Grants, which enhance security measures on Chicago's critical transit systems including $6,140,646 for the Chicago Transit Authority, $3,696,219 for the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transit Authority, and $265,360 Pace Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transit Authority.
  • $69,500,000 in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants, which help Chicago address the unique needs of a high-threat, high-density urban area by funding equipment, planning and training to prevent, mitigate and respond to acts of terrorism.
  • $1,345,500 in Nonprofit Security Grants, which support Chicago nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attack.

State of Illinois grant awards include:

  • $16,408,500 in State Homeland Security Grants, which help fund the state's implementation of homeland security strategies to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
  • $11,005,166 in FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grants, which assist Illinois in enhancing and sustaining its all-hazards emergency management capabilities.
  • $1,223,529 in Port Security Grants, which help fund enhanced security measures at Illinois' ports. (Note: some of these funds are shared with Northwest Indiana)
  • $61,285 for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program, which help owners and operators of intercity bus systems better protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism.

As the only Illinois member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Quigley is using his position to prioritize investments in innovation and Chicago-area infrastructure, which will grow the local economy and spur job creation. Most recently, he announced the award of $200,910 in federal funds through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program to the Elmhurst Fire Department. Rep. Quigley is also fighting to put more cops on the streets, protect funding for vital housing and social services programs and is a leading voice for smarter defense spending and nuclear reduction. He currently serves on the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).

###