COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Emergency Operation Center will receive more than $2 million from the Department of Homeland Security for upgrades.

The center is responsible for coordinating disaster relief throughout the state in the event of a national disaster or homeland security threat.

A total of $74 million is being distributed to 19 states and territories for improvements to and construction of emergency operations centers.

The Homeland Security grants, which are being distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are intended to help improve emergency preparedness and management.

"It is essential that the emergency operations centers have the capabilities that they need to respond to any kind of potential emergency within their areas and that first responders have the vital resources that they may need at hand," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.