Togliatti named Interim Homeland Security adviser

Public Safety Director George Togliatti has been named interim Homeland Security adviser to Gov. Kenny Guinn.

The post was vacated a week ago when Guinn accepted the resignation of Jerry Bussell. The position chairs the Homeland Security Commission and advises the governor and his staff on homeland security issues.

Togliatti was named earlier this year as director of Public Safety. Guinn also announced that the functions of Homeland Security would be moved permanently under Togliatti's direction. The state's Emergency Management Division, which handles most of the emergency response, anti terror and homeland security issues, is already within Public Safety.

The appointment comes as the Homeland Security Commission prepares for a Monday meeting where some $26 million in grants will be awarded to state and local agencies for security projects.