[Washington, DC, May 8, 2003]—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) has received $861,000 from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Office for Domestic Preparedness.

The program period for this grant began on April 1, 2003 and will continue through March 31, 2005. LEPC will use the grant to purchase first responder equipment, for the costs related to the planning, conducting, and evaluating of weapons of mass destruction exercises. The funds will also be used for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Territory’s domestic preparedness strategy. Based on an assessment of the first responder needs and capabilities of the territory, provided through territorial officials by a threat and vulnerability profile first responder equipment, training, exercise support, and technical assistance requirements were identified.

For additional information contact the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission at 8172 Subbase Suite 3, St. Thomas, VI 00802-508.