Las Vegas Valley getting $2.96 million in grants for terrorist attack protection
WASHINGTON — The Las Vegas Valley will receive $2.96 million in federal funds to help protect it against possible terrorist attacks.
Local, state and federal officials welcomed the funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through its Urban Area Security Initiative. Officials had worried for months worried that the valley would fall below the program's funding threshold and receive no new money.
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada joined a full-court press by the state's congressional delegation, and was joined by Gov. Brian Sandoval, mayors Carolyn Goodman of Las Vegas and Andy Hafen of Henderson and other officials.
Las Vegas law enforcement agencies will use the money for training and equipment to fight terrorism. The officials argued that risks Las Vegas bears as a tourism hub warranted the funding. Reid, Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., issued statements about the funding's importance.
Contact Jim Myers at jmyers@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find him on Twitter: @myers_dc
