By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's office said Thursday the state had received $135 million in homeland security money since the September 11th attacks, but has only spent about $49 million.
Blunt asked for an accounting of the money after he took office this year.
The federal funds are only for reimbursements. That means local cities and towns have to pay for security-related projects, then apply for the funds as paybacks.
One hang-up that Blunt's office noted is that local governments are seeing delays in getting equipment.
At the state level, about $11 million has been spent on projects including communications equipment for the Highway Patrol, and a security gate at the Governor's Mansion.