Fourth District Congressman Jim Himes this week supported a Homeland Security Appropriations plan that he said would make America a safer place with increased investments in emergency planning, response, and communications.
The funding for a new generator is part of that initiative.
"Maintaining our ability to respond to disasters and terrorist attacks is critical to our personal and economic security," said Himes. "This funding for the Westport generator will improve the safety of our entire region."
Westport Fire Headquarters houses Westport's Emergency Operations Center as well as units from the Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Regional Communications and Command Response Unit.
The funding announced this week will allow the purchase of a new generator that will supply emergency standby power for the entire headquarters complex. Without the new generator, the ability to maintain and receive communications from other agencies during an emergency could be significantly compromised, said Himes.
"We are grateful to Congressman Himes for helping secure this funding," said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff. "Having the ability to put the entire headquarters complex on emergency power will certainly enhance our capabilities to better respond to emergencies in Westport and the region."
Fire Chief Christopher Ackley said, "This will help protect critical government infrastructure and provide greater dependability by replacing the 22-year-old generator presently in service.
Ackely said he was grateful that Himes had assisted in providing this critical asset and noted Himes' "understanding of the needs and the role of first responders and our role in serving the public."
Other investments made by the Homeland Security spending plan that Himes said are critical to Connecticut include:
* Nearly $1 billion to support states' efforts for local first responder programs;
* Increases in funding for maritime security, including some funding over last year's allocation to provide funding for additional inspectors investigators, and biometrics at sea;
* $20 million to fund research into next generation technologies to prevent cyber attacks;
* Investments to modernize flood maps.
To ensure efficient use of the limited resources available, the Department of Homeland Security will increase oversight of expenditure plans and will eliminate $407 million in obsolete programs, Himes said.