Politics & Government
Local Homeland Security Programs Receive Funding
Funding to stockpile antibiotics, buy more police radios and expand disaster response training for public safety personnel in Riverside County expected.
Riverside County supervisors Tuesday accepted a $3.29 million federal grant intended to support Homeland Security programs, including funding to stockpile antibiotics, buy more police radios and expand disaster response training for public safety personnel.
The county's Office of Emergency Services will distribute the funds throughout the "Riverside County Operational Area," which is made up of 26 cities and county agencies, according to OES documents.
A portion of the allotment will be dedicated to buying a "cache of pharmaceuticals for first responders and their families" in case of a biological attack or other event that chokes supply lines and leaves communities stranded, according to the county.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant will also cover expenses tied to establishing a countywide "All Hazard Emergency Operations Plan," according to the OES.
Funds will be used for upgrades to ultra high frequency radio transmission sites to improve communications between emergency medical services and equip sheriff's aircraft with inter-operable radio gear, documents indicated.
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Around $500,000 will be spent for a specially equipped hazardous materials vehicle to replace the aging one currently deployed by the county fire department, and the cities of Banning and Beaumont will receive roughly $400,000 for enhanced public safety communications equipment.