UT Vet School Receives Millions to Support Homeland Security

September 15, 2008

Washington, DC -- Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) announced today that the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Agriculture and Food Security and Preparedness two grants totaling nearly $5 million to help ensure the safety of the Nation’s food supply and to help promote effective response to a disaster involving animals.

The first award is for a training program to aid in the coordination of resources between the public and private sectors and across state lines by using national credentialing standards in the event of an animal-related disaster.  The second is for the development of effective information sharing networks between law enforcement, public safety agencies, and the private sector on the importation and transportation of food and animal feed in the United States.   

“With the recalls of tomatoes and peppers earlier this year and the continued concerns about ingredients coming in from other countries, people are questioning the safety of the foods that they put on the dinner table for their families.  Lack of information and coordination between all levels of government and the public only stimulates fear,” said Duncan.  “This announcement by FEMA will put UT at the forefront of protecting our citizens in the event of an attack or major disaster that could threaten animals or the food supply.”

“This continues our already developed leadership role in assisting the nation in protecting its critical infrastructure with a focus on the agriculture and food sectors,” said Dr. Sharon Thompson, director of the center.  The grants are in addition to the $500 thousand continuation grant the center recently received to continue delivery of its existing DHS training program.

The FEMA awards funds competitively through the FY2008 Competitive Training Grants Program to applicants to develop and deliver innovative training programs addressing high priority national homeland security training needs.  For the 2008 fiscal year, the program will award $27.2 million to local governments, national associations, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations across the Country to ensure the protection of the American people. 

“With competition for Federal funds stronger than ever, this recognition speaks volumes about the people and the work being done at UT, and I proudly support their efforts,” said Duncan.