Clean Water Current
DHS Launches Cybersecurity Grant Program for State and Local Governments; Utilities Could be Eligible for Funds
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a $1 billion, four-year cybersecurity grant program for state, local, and territorial governments. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program will help these entities address cybersecurity risks. The funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The grant program is intended to support state and local governments in developing, revising, and implementing cybersecurity plans and addressing imminent cybersecurity threats. States will apply for the funds, with the first year of grants aimed at states forming a cybersecurity planning committing and developing a statewide cybersecurity plan. Cities and counties can receive sub-awards from their state agency, and all funded projects must be linked to the approved cybersecurity plan.
More information about the grant program is available here. NACWA recommends that its member utilities contact their appropriate state agency to determine if the state will be applying for the grants and to recommend that utilities be included in the state cybersecurity plan. Please contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, with any questions.