Board authorizes county to accept homeland security grant funding for bomb squad equipment and training

The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners authorized Jan. 28 the county to enter a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division for the 2024 State Homeland Security Program. The grant will fund bomb squad equipment, training and the bomb squad’s base of operations.

A county law enforcement speaker identified as Brad described the Bomb Squad as a specialty team that responds across a broad region and said much of the team’s equipment and response costs are funded by the state. “We have a large area that we respond to. The state reimburses the county for responses to those different areas outside of our jurisdiction, and the state also funds all the equipment and resources we typically utilize for the bomb squad,” Brad said. He added the state assists with training and supports the bomb squad’s leased operations base.

Commissioners noted the county’s access to specialized equipment paid for through state programs and emphasized the value of statewide reimbursement. The board authorized the chair and county administrator to sign the agreement covering Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025. The motion (moved by Commissioner Franzen, seconded by Commissioner Lee) passed on a roll‑call vote with all commissioners voting aye.

Board discussion included confirmation that leased space is used to provide secure, climate‑controlled storage for specialized tools and equipment. The county indicated the grant reduces the equipment cost burden on local taxpayers because the state provides funding and reimbursement for out‑of‑jurisdiction responses.