HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut has established a new program providing grants to eligible entities to address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems that are owned or operated on behalf of state, local, and tribal governments.
The new program, created as a result of funding Connecticut received through the recently enacted federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), is now accepting applications for the first round of funding authorized under Connecticut’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.
According to the Lamont administration, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) manages and administers the program with partnership and consultation from the Connecticut Cybersecurity Planning Subcommittee (CCPC). It comprises stakeholders in the cybersecurity discipline, including the state chief information officer, the state chief information security officer, representatives from municipalities and the Regional Emergency Planning Team, institutions of public education, public health representation, and representatives of rural, suburban, and high-population jurisdictions.
Eligible entities, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the program requirements, include:
- A county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments, regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government;
- An Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, and
- A rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.
“Cybersecurity threats are very real and can impact any type of entity, whether you’re a private organization or a public office,” Lamont said. “I strongly encourage municipal officials across Connecticut to evaluate their cybersecurity needs, and if a potential weakness is identified they should submit a grant application to the state so that we can get these funds to them and they can be put to productive use.”
This program has a sliding cost-share match requirement that changes with each fiscal year. The federal share of any activity for the fiscal year 2022 funding cannot exceed 90%. Connecticut has been allocated $2,680,589 in federal funds to allocate to eligible sub-entities and sub-applications.
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Deputy Commissioner Brenda Bergeron, who oversees DEMHS, said, “Now with this grant program, eligible sub-applicants can make cybersecurity investments to build the appropriate protections commensurate with the risks. DEMHS looks forward to supporting the state’s efforts to further enhance our cybersecurity.”
For application information and a complete overview of the program, visit portal.ct.gov/demhs/grants/state-and-local-cybersecurity-grant-program. Questions about the grant program can be directed to DEMHS.SLCGP@ct.gov.
Applications for this first round of funding must be submitted to DEMHS by 5:00 p.m. on July 19, 2024.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
