The money would go to nonprofits and religious institutions deemed to be at high risk for terrorist attacks
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday said the state is offering $1 million to New Jersey nonprofits and religious institutions deemed to be at high risk for terrorist attacks.
The governor, speaking at Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, made the announcement after several bomb scares have hit Jewish centers across the state.
Christie called bias "completely unacceptable" and said the money would be used to support groups in nine New Jersey counties that currently don't meet regional qualifications for federal funding.
"I encourage eligible nonprofits to apply for these grants ... (to) give their members additional peace of mind," Christie said. "These are difficult times when there's hatred in the world."
NJ steps up security at Jewish centers
The nine counties where groups can apply for funding are: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, and Warren counties.
The grants would be used, among other ways, to purchase security equipment, and inspection and screening devices, Christie said.
Nonprofits in the state's other 12 counties are already eligible to receive similar security funding.
Groups should apply for the grants immediately, Christie said.
"We intend to turn this around quickly and send this funding out by summer," he said.
Christie made the announcement the same day of a bomb threat scare at a Livingston synagogue.
Earlier this month, Christie announced officials stepped up security at Jewish community centers across New Jersey.
According to the governor's office, organizations interested in applying should send applications to grants@njohsp.gov by close of business on May 24.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.