Guam receives $10M in federal grants for homeland security and emergency preparedness

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The Office of Homeland Security has secured more than $10 million in federal funding for fiscal 2025 to strengthen Guam's public safety, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity across the island, the governor's office announced today.

The awards include support for critical homeland security staffing, equipment, and training; the deployment of next-generation public warning systems; state-level cybersecurity training and tools; nonprofit security enhancements; and emergency management personnel and sustainment.

These funds represent the largest combined annual award for Guam in these categories, the governor's office said.

“This level of federal support reflects our administration’s commitment to sound stewardship and strategic investment," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said.

"By leveraging these funds effectively, we’re not only strengthening Guam’s emergency preparedness today but also building a resilient foundation for the future. Every dollar secured will be directed to projects that deliver the highest value to our people and ensure our island is ready for any challenge," she added.

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said the federal funds will equip the government with the tools, manpower and knowledge to combat terrorism and recover from disasters.

"Especially given the threat from cyber attacks, Guam needs investments like these more than ever. By building better systems and strengthening our team of first responders, we can protect lives - we can keep our people safe and our island prepared," he added.

Specific grant awards include:

• Homeland Security Grant Program: $2.75 million for personnel, equipment, and training

• Next Generation Warning System: $5.84 million for mobile sirens and public alerting software

• State Cybersecurity Grant Program: $264,000 for training, endpoint protection, and vulnerability prevention

• Non-Profit Security Grant Program: $1.05 million for nonprofit security upgrades

• Emergency Management Performance Grant: $885,000 for sustaining core emergency management capacity

  
  

“These federal awards mark a significant milestone in building Guam’s long-term security and preparedness capacity,” said Esther Aguigui, homeland security advisor.

Officials said the Office of Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense will coordinate with federal partners, local agencies, and nonprofit organizations to ensure the timely execution of funded projects and compliance with all applicable federal requirements.

“Through the coordinated efforts of our dedicated team, we secured these critical grants," Aguigui said. "This funding positions Guam to build the workforce we need, modernize public warning systems, elevate our cybersecurity posture, strengthen nonprofit security, and enhance emergency management capabilities for years to come.”

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