House Homeland Security Includes $338,000 for Calvert County Emergency Operations Center

WASHINGTON, DC - At the request of Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), the FY2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill included $338,000 for the creation of an alternative Emergency Operations Center to ensure safety in Calvert County, including the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. This funding will enable Calvert Cliffs to meet Federal Department of Homeland Security preparedness guidelines, and help protect the safety and security of residents, employees, and the food and water supply of Calvert County, in the event of an emergency affecting the Calvert Cliffs Plant.

"The security of Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant is a high priority for the County and the Region," stated Rep. Hoyer. "While Calvert Cliffs is consistently recognized for adherence to safety standards, this funding will help ensure contingencies are in place to secure the facility and protect workers and area residents in the event of an emergency."

Overall, the Homeland Security measure provides investments in the nation's most pressing homeland security needs, including security for our borders, aviation system, ports and transit, and for aid to first responders.

"We have a responsibility to help protect our communities and provide for the safety and security of our citizens," said Rep. Hoyer. "I am proud to support legislation that makes sound investments in critical homeland security measures and gives the men and women who respond to emergencies the tools and resources they need."

The Homeland Security bill also funds two successful competitive grant programs that help fire departments in Maryland and across the country meet equipment and personnel needs, providing a $390 million investment in the Assistance to Fire Grant Program (AFG) and an historic $420 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. 

"Our volunteer and career firefighters provide an unbelievable service, and sacrifice a great deal to protect our communities, despite often having to operate on a very limited budget," said Rep. Hoyer. "These grant programs are necessary to provide our first responders with the equipment and training they need to keep their departments running safely and efficiently.  While I am pleased that the bill significantly increases funding for AFG over the Administration's request, I intend to work with conferees to build upon the overall FY10 allocation for this critical program."

As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Congressman Hoyer has played a lead role in helping establish and fund both the AFG and SAFER programs. When he was a member of the Appropriations Committee, Hoyer was a staunch leader in fighting to restore attempts to cut funding, and this year, spearheaded a letter to the Appropriations Committee signed by more than 85 members advocating for full funding of both AFG and SAFER.