July 18, 2007

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the Denver Urban Area Security Initiative will receive a 79% increase in funds under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

UASI is a discretionary program providing funding to high-risk, high-threat urban areas (including counties and mutual aid partners), to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist incidents. Last year, the Denver UASI received $4.38 million, and this year they will receive $7.85 million. The Denver UASI includes all of Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson Counties .

“I am pleased that DHS decided to increase funding for the Denver UASI,” said Rep. Perlmutter. “This funding is critical to our local first responders and homeland security agencies to prepare for and provide the highest level of security to our region. With Denver hosting the Democratic National Convention, this funding will enable our local agencies to ensure the safety and security of our community during this high profile event.”

The DHS Secretary determines which urban areas will receive funding, and the following local entities are eligible to receive funding: emergency management agencies or offices, homeland security agencies or offices, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, hazardous material-handling personnel, public works agencies, public health agencies, governmental administrative agencies or offices, and public safety communication agencies or offices.

The identified high-risk, high-threat urban areas are authorized to use funds to purchase specialized WMD equipment, plan and execute exercises, pay first responder overtime costs associated with heightened Homeland Security Advisory System threat levels, and train first responders. Additionally, funds from this program can be used for port and mass transit security, radiological defense systems, pilot projects, and technical assistance.