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Congressman Cohen Announces $1.7 Million in Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Grants

June 30, 2020

Memphis organizations to receive funding to protect port and houses of worship

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis-area organizations will receive $1,738,964 in emergency preparedness funding from the Department of Homeland Security to protect its port and two Memphis Jewish institutions considered at risk of attack.

The grants announced today for the Port Security Grant Program include $1 million for the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division; $37,500 for the Memphis Fire Department; $274,500 for the Memphis Police Department; and $227,464 for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

The grants announced today for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program are intended to "target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack." Recipients include Temple Israel ($100,000) and the Margolin Hebrew Academy – Firestone Yeshiva of the South ($100,000).

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I'm pleased that Memphis institutions are receiving this funding to prepare for the unexpected. Port security is critical for a river city like Memphis. It's sad to think our Jewish institutions are considered at risk of attack but I'm pleased this funding will help in meeting their security needs."