San Antonio Awarded $3.25 Million Grant for Terrorism Preparedness Operations

Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $3.25 million to the City of San Antonio to address local needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate and respond to acts of terrorism.

This $1.75 million increase in funding from FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative comes as San Antonio continues to grow and host events with hundreds of thousands of visitors including Fiesta and the NCAA Final Four. Last year, U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) invited FEMA leadership down to San Antonio to see firsthand the massive crowds and security operations during Fiesta, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Hurd also voted for an increase in funding for this important initiative to ensure communities have the resources to keep residents safe.

San Antonio's population is growing more quickly than that of any other city in our State and routinely hosts events that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors like Fiesta and the NCAA Final Four. It's imperative that our local public safety officers have the level of equipment necessary for them to do their jobs and keep folks safe. After I invited FEMA leadership to attend Fiesta to see security operations firsthand, the FEMA officials left with a better understanding of the tremendous crowds we draw at home and the urgency for our police and fire departments to have updated resources. I am proud to have worked with FEMA and local officials to secure this increased funding for our Alamo City law enforcement.

“I am grateful that Department of Homeland Security agreed that our request for additional funding was merited and awarded the City $3.25 million,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Our need is real and we will put the additional funding to good use for protecting our community against a terrorist attack. It is a priority.”  

“I truly appreciate the tireless work of Sen. John Cornyn and Congressmen Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar to help ensure San Antonio’s security,” added Nirenberg, who met with DHS Assistant Secretary John Hill in February requesting additional UASI funding.

“San Antonio attractions like Fiesta, the Missions, and the Spurs draw tens of millions of guests to the city each year, and because it is Texas’ fastest-growing city, we can expect even more in the future,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This grant will help our local law enforcement keep San Antonio’s residents and visitors safe.  I’m proud to have supported this initiative, and I’m grateful to help provide San Antonio with increased funding in recognition of its growth.”