Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today expressed concern over the decision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cut counter-terrorism grant funding for Los Angeles and Sacramento while improving funding for other urban areas in California. Los Angeles’ funding level falls to $72.58 million, a 10 percent cut over last year, and Sacramento’s funding level falls to $4.16 million, a 44 percent drop.

“I am troubled that the Department of Homeland Security would cut counter-terrorism funding levels for Los Angeles and Sacramento. California has been the target of terrorist plots in the past, as highlighted by the President. Los Angeles is the largest city in the most-populous state in the nation, and Sacramento is the capital city. Both face significant risk, and deserve more funding, not less,” Senator Feinstein said.

“The funding announced for other California cities is certainly welcome, especially for San Diego. It is the second-largest city in the state and home to several military installations. I am glad that the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the need for increased counter-terrorism funding there. But the bottom line is, the Department’s overall funding for California is a mixed bag.”

DHS also announced that under the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program, California will receive $94 million in grants to improve emergency communications for police and fire departments.

The following is a breakdown of the DHS grant awards announced today:

The Urban Area Security Initiative provides funding to high-threat, high-density urban areas to assist in preventing acts of terrorism. In FY 07, 55 percent of UASI funds were allocated to tier 1 cities (San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Jersey City/Newark, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.).  The remaining 45 percent was allocated to tier 2 areas.

Here is this year’s funding breakdown for California, with comparisons to last year’s funding levels:

Total UASI Funding:            $710.62 million in FY 06
                                           $746.90 million in FY 07 

                                                  FY 06                  FY 07             %

• SF Bay Area (Tier 1):       $28.32 million    $34.13 million     +21%
  
• LA/Long Beach (Tier 1):  $80.61 million    $72.58 million     -10%
  
• Anaheim (Tier 2):            $11.98 million    $13.79 million     +15%
  
• San Diego (Tier 2):          $7.99 million     $16.12 million     +102%
  
• Sacramento (Tier 2):       $7.39 million      $4.16 million       -44%

The Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program provides one-time grants to states and tier 1 Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) cities to enhance interoperable communications.  This grant program is a product of the government-mandated transition from analog to digital broadcast transmissions.

Out of the $968 million available in the overall program, each state was guaranteed at least $3 million.  California will be eligible for a total of $94 million dollars, or roughly 10 percent, of the overall grant funds available. 

• The San Francisco Bay Area will be eligible for $15 million dollars.
  
• Los Angeles/Long Beach will be eligible for $22 million dollars.
  
• The remaining funds ($57 million dollars) go to the State, which will then disburse amounts to localities.  

The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) provides funding to states for implementing homeland security preparedness strategies.

Total SHSP Funding:             $528.17 million in FY 06
                                             $509.25 million in FY 07 

                                                 FY 06                     FY 07                   %

California’s Share:            $47.58 million         $55.85 million          +17%

The Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP) provides funding to law enforcement entities for fusion centers and terrorism prevention activities.

Total LETPP Funding:            $384.12 million in FY 06
                                             $363.75 million in FY 07 

                                              FY 06                        FY 07                   %

California’s Share:            $42.37 million         $39.88 million          -6%

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