Emergency Management - Fall 2008 - (Page 36)

Homeland Security Grant Program Overview Funding Distribution – Fiscal 2008 and Fiscal 2009 PROGRAM FISCAL 2008 FISCAL 2009 Homeland Security Grant Program • State Homeland Security Program • Urban Area Security Initiative • Metropolitan Medical Response System • Citizen Corps Program State Homeland Security Program – Tribal UASI Nonproﬁt Security Grant Program Operation Stonegarden TOTAL SOURCE: US DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY $1,697,314,000 $861,280,000 $781,630,000 $39,831,500 $14,572,500 $1,645,000 $15,000,000 $60,000,000 $1,773,959,000 $1,714,300,154 $861,265,000 $798,631,250 $39,831,404 $14,572,500 $1,660,000 $15,000,000 $60,000,000 $1,790,960,154 Atkins also heads the Southeast Regional Task Force, a homeland security body that includes the Philadelphia Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) region. Atkins is not alone. Nationwide, security directors are seeking ways to use UASI grant money to serve their existing local needs. FEMA’s High Priorities In fiscal 2008, the UASI program will dole out $782 million in grants to build capabilities in high-threat, high-density urban areas across the country. The seven highest-risk areas will receive a combined total of $430 million, and 53 high-risk, urban areas will receive $352 million. The money will go to defend UASI regions against threats deemed a high priority by FEMA guidance. Simultaneously regional security leaders will look for dovetail issues — local needs that fit comfortably into the national guidance that UASI grant money can legitimately support. In King County, Wash., Homeland Security Program Manager Rich Tokarzewski worries about providing shelter for displaced people. It’s always a concern because of the wind, ice and snowstorms that frequently push people out of their homes. After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA’s UASI guidance emphasized on these kinds of concerns. Tokarzewski promptly put the money to use by installing wiring at shelters to accommodate modular, transportable power supplies. “We always have a wish list, but then the feds have their ideas year after year of what they want to see the nation focus on,” Tokarzewski said. When the two come together, it’s a good day for all parties. The point is a subtle one. UASI grants, by their nature, are designed to meet specific local and regional needs, but there’s much latitude in how those needs are met. “Because each region is different in so many ways, [the U.S. Department of Homeland Security] has factored in flexibility to allow us to develop our programs unique to our own region,” Amy Bolton, the public affairs officer of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, wrote in an e-mail. For instance, consider the current emphasis on IEDs. While FEMA has made it a priority, the only specific requirement is that grantees must use at least 25 percent of their grant money toward this purpose. Even within that broad dictum, grantees have further latitude. The official guidance requires PHOTO BY JENNIFER SMITS /FEMA Construction is under way for a storm shelter at the new D’Iberville High School in Missouri. The project should be completed in January 2009 and will serve as a safe haven for displaced individuals in the area during emergencies. FEMA’s UASI guidelines have highlighted that high-tech shelters are needed after recent disasters, like hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 36

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Emergency Management - Fall 2008

Emergency Management - Fall 2008 Contents Contributors Editor’s Letter In the Field Deep Freeze EM Bulletin Major Player In the News Uncharted Waters Bio-Sensing Bluegills Joint Accounts Education Directory Degress of Change Triage in 3-D Products Eric's Corner Last Word

Emergency Management - Fall 2008

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