Lautenberg/Menendez secure Homeland Security funds

by: Jason Springer

Wed Nov 12, 2008 at 11:31:10 AM EST

From a Lautenberg/Menendez release, we learn that NJ will be getting additional Homeland Security funds:

New Jersey will receive $75.2 million in federal funds for seven homeland security programs:
$35,298,150 for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), which is a $310,150 increase from last year's funding level. UASI is a risk-based program that helps protect high-density and high-threat urban areas, such as Newark and Jersey City, by helping them prevent, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism.
$26,391,000 to the State Homeland Security Program, which helps municipalities in New Jersey plan, equip and train emergency first responders and other personnel to respond to acts of terrorism.
$7,504,254 to assist state and local governments in improving their emergency management capabilities.
$3,617,000 to the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, which helps law enforcement prevent terrorism by coordinating with individuals in non-law enforcement, government agencies and the private sector.
$1,433,469 to improve interoperable emergency communications, including communications in response to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.
$642,442 to Metropolitan Medical Response System, which helps towns and cities prepare for and respond to mass casualty events.
$357,481 to the Citizens Corps Program, which involves residents in prevention, preparedness and response to terrorism, natural disasters and other threats, such as crime and public health.

Dick Zimmer probably would have called this pork. From the recent campaign:

Lautenberg pledged to seek additional federal money for New Jersey to help state and local governments avoid deficits. Zimmer said the best way to ease the financial crisis is "to elect somebody who makes sure we don't spend one dollar more than is absolutely necessary."
Lautenberg prides himself in bringing home money for mass transit, highways and other public projects. Zimmer is opposed to pork barrel spending, including money that would come to New Jersey.

While they were proud of the funding, Lautenberg and Menendez also had this note in the release:

However, the Senators reiterated their call for all federal security funds to be based on risk - not subject to formulas that guarantee state minimums regardless of risk.

Imagine that, making sure funding for Homeland Security is distributed based on risk. What a novel concept. Until we reach that point, well done Senators.

Jason Springer :: Lautenberg/Menendez secure Homeland Security funds