The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to issue $1.3 billion in grants to help state and local governments fight terrorism. The seven National Preparedness Goal grant programs include funds for ports and public transit, border security and non-profit organizations that could face terrorist attack.

DHS has issued Fiscal Year 2012 guidance and application kits for the grants. The funding has been cut by about $1 billion, with priority this year to applicants in the nation’s highest-risk areas, including urban areas, with a focus on terrorism prevention.

All preparedness grant applications are due no later than May 4. Final submissions must be made through the Non-Disaster (ND) Grants system.

Read the entire story from Urgent Communications, our sister publication.