By Ed Somers
December 13, 2004

On December 3, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the recipients of $2.5 billion in FY 2005 funding ($1.66 billion in grants to states and an additional $855 million in grants to urban areas) for first responders and to support state and local resources necessary to prevent, respond and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters.

"This funding enhances the preparedness of the entire nation while targeting resources where they are needed most," said Ridge. "State and local jurisdictions can expect even more support in the coming months, as we announce further awards in port security, mass transit security and assistance to firefighters," Ridge added.

Under the state Homeland Security Grant Program, each state, territory and the District of Columbia receives a portion of the $1.66 billion in grants based on a formula consisting of a baseline amount plus the population of the state or territory. The funding is used for equipment, training, planning and exercises. The states will have 45 days (until January 16) to apply for the funding, and once their applications are approved by DHS, they will be required to sub-allocate 80 percent to local governments within 60 days.

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) provides additional resources to those areas with greater security needs by allocating $855 million in a formula that considers a number of factors including population and population density; critical infrastructure; threat information; formal mutual aid cooperation; and law enforcement investigations and enforcement activity. As a result of a redesigned formula and new data being used by DHS, several cities who received UASI funding last year did not receive funding this year, several cities were added, and the allocations to existing cities varied. Mayors wishing more information on the UASI formula used by DHS should contact Ed Somers at (202) 861-6706 or esomers@usmayors.org.

According to DHS, "The recipients of this round of FY-05 Homeland Security grants will benefit from new measures recently adopted following recommendations from a task force convened by Secretary Ridge to expedite the flow of funds." This task force, Vice Chaired by Conference President Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic, was created after President Bush came to the 2004 Winter Meeting of the Conference of Mayors and pledged to help "unstick" state funding. For example, state and local governments may now have up to 120 days to draw down funds in advance of purchase and investments, as compared to the three to five days allowed previously.