LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada is getting nearly $12 million in federal grants to ramp up its homeland security efforts and prevent terrorist attacks.
Sen. Harry Reid announced the awards Wednesday. The grants are effective for the fiscal year that starts in July.
The Las Vegas area is getting nearly $3 million as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative grant program, about the same as it got last year.
Officials have tried to make the case that the tourist hotspot is a prime terrorism target and needs to be a high priority for homeland security funding.
Other elements of the award include about $4.5 million to prepare the state for emergencies and $300,000 to help nonprofit organizations increase their security. In Las Vegas, four Jewish organizations will receive the help.