A Risk-Based Strategy Is Critical, However New Homeland Security Funding Plan Raises Questions, Concerns

WHITE PLAINS, NY – The Department of Homeland Security today unveiled a new strategy for the distribution of Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grants.  This program was created to direct federal funds to those urban areas most at-risk for a terrorist attack.  Under the new formula, funds will be distributed on the basis of risk, but unlike in past years, risk from natural disasters will also be considered.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), who has led the fight in the House to allocate funds on the basis of risk, released the following statement on the new initiative:

“Risk should be the primary factor when allocating our scarce resources to prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks.  I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security is moving toward a risk-based assessment to distributing UASI funds and I will continue fighting to enact risk-based formulas for other programs, such as the State Homeland Security Grants Program (SHSGP), which provides far more funding to low-risk states on a per capita basis.

“I am concerned that DHS will rely heavily on a critical infrastructure database that is flawed and inadequate.  Scheduled to be completed at the end of 2004, it is unfinished and plagued by discrepancies due to vague guidance to state and local officials.  Without a comprehensive database with standardized criteria, DHS won’t have a complete picture to assess risk. 

“Furthermore, including catastrophes other than terrorism could dilute the impact of this important grant program.  We all agree that we must address failures such as those in the response to Katrina; however we shouldn’t rob Peter to pay Paul when it comes to national security.

“Risk-based funding is absolutely necessary to prepare for a possible attack: Congress must carefully evaluate the new distribution of funds to make sure DHS can carry out the goals announced today.”