By Kyle Dante

The following information adds on to last week’s meeting with the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region. Information relating to the funding and its usage and purpose will be addressed in a future MBHSR meeting.

On Monday, February 7, the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region Maritime Group met. Regional Planner Steven Craney conducted the meeting following up on the Urban Areas Security Initiative between 2018 to 2022.

As of this time, Somerville received $44.416.08 from its award letter in 2019. For 2020, $68.888.89 remains and $37,500.00 for 2021 remains, with UASI. The former is the fulfilled allocation amount, with the 2021 amount still in stone. 2022 has an unstated budget as of this time.

It is imperative to note because 2022 has a new incoming process. The process is in regard to a request for Maritime-related grants. “If you feel the program needs Maritime, submit an abstract,” Quincy Lieutenant Bob Gillian said. However, Gillian explained that when submitting an abstract, the city must have an expected timeline for their funding usage. All projects conceived must be submitted on a project-to-project basis. If no extra money is necessary, it can be passed on to work with what is currently provided.

All authorized funding goes through Training Directors Steve Maguire and Alicia Woodberry. Ideal approval is through Winthrop Detective Wayne Carter and Senior Type-1 Supervisor, Field Leader Cadre Nick Russo.

As with the legislative matters from the MBHSR, it is vital to clarify what projects Somerville funds. Additionally, MBHSRM is coordinating maritime training in all locations. As a result, help is provided to Somerville with its training and incoming projects.