The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) yesterday released its FY ’10 grant application guidance kits for 13 grant programs totaling more than $2.7 billion that will be sought by state, local, tribal and territorial governments and private sector entities.
The planned FY ’10 grant distribution is about $384 million less than FY ’09.
The largest grant programs, the State Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), have $842 million and $832.5 million, respectively, to dole out. The HSGP provides funds to build capabilities at the state and local levels consistent with state homeland security strategies and initiatives.
Under the HSGP, New York will be eligible for $31.7 million and California $30 million. Texas would receive the third largest allotment, $15.9 million, followed by Florida, $9.2 million, and Illinois, $9.1 million.
The UASI program is focused on expanding regional cooperation for preparedness, prevention, protection, response and recovery. New York City will be eligible for the largest amount of these funds, $151.8 million.
The other top recipients of UASI grants are the Los Angeles, Long Beach region, $69.9 million, the National Capital Region in and around Washington, D.C., $59.4 million, the San Francisco, Oakland, Calif., Bay Area, $42.8 million, and Houston, Texas, $41.5 million.
Those cities and regions, including New York City, are five of the UASI Tier 1 Urban Areas, which are the highest risk. That number is up from seven cities previously, which could potentially mean more competition among these cities for funding in the future, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, was quoted as saying by local New York media.
Funding for Port Security Grants is $288 million, $100.6 million lower than a year ago.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement that “This year’s guidance focuses on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation’s security.”
The grant guidance allows localities to use preparedness funding for ongoing maintenance contracts, warranties, repair or replacement costs, upgrades and user fees for equipment purchased with previous DHS grants.