FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear announced $2.2 million for 97 homeland security projects Thursday, and two of those grants are going to Floyd County.

Big Sandy Area Development District will received $29,000 for all-terrain vehicles, trailers and lighting, while the city of Wheelwright will receive $10,000 to purchase five mobile radios and a base station.

“State Homeland Security Grants strengthen the effectiveness of our first responders as they carry out their important role of protecting citizens when natural and man-made disasters occur,” Beshear said. “I am confident that this allocation of federal dollars has been maximized to help keep Kentuckians safe and secure.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds are used to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels through planning, equipment and readiness activities.

Gene Kiser, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), said local agencies submitted 211 applications totaling $11.8 million for these grants.

“These grants are in high demand across the Commonwealth,” Kiser said. “The approved grants will be beneficial in helping first responders tackle their important jobs.”

Other communities in the Big Sandy area were named recipients, as well. Others in the region receiving grants include:

• Johnson County, $30,000 for mobile and portable radios and pagers

• Paintsville, $30,000 for extrication equipment

• Magoffin County, $42,000 for repeaters and vehicular repeaters

• Coal Run Village, $8,000 for a mobile data computer