Vegas gets homeland security money

Las Vegas will get more than $8.4 million in a new homeland security grant, Senators Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., announced Tuesday.

The money is part of the $855 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding which provides additional resources to urban areas with greater security needs -- such as the Las Vegas Strip.

"This funding will help better train, prepare, and equip our first responders so they are able to prevent incidents and to be ready should one occur," said Reid.

"Las Vegas' growing population and the millions of tourists who come to this city should never be burdened with the fear of terrorism," Ensign said.

The UASI is awarded in addition to the state Homeland Security Grant Program. In total, Nevada will receive $28,386,325 under these two programs.

Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.