While pre-disaster preparation was reduced sharply, post-disaster response increased. The disaster relief fund was raised by more than $1 billion to $2.6 billion.
The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), which supports a variety of state and local endeavors, including exercises, training, planning and equipment was cut by $225 million. That’s slightly more than 26 percent of the program, leaving a 2011 budget of $725 million. FEMA asked for $1 billion for the SHSP program.
The program receiving the second largest jolt was the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. It was cut by 18 percent or $162 million, also leaving $725 million. The UASI program covers the 64 largest municipalities in the U.S.
As the 2011 budget was cutting the total amount of UASI funds, New York Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., was introducing legislation that would significantly reduce the number of areas eligible for UASI money. New York and other large cities in the United States have seen their UASI funds drop significantly over the years as the number of UASIs increased.
The Emergency Operations Centers Grant Program was cut by 75 percent, down to $45 million. Citizen Corps lost 23 percent to $10 million.
With the cuts placing more pressure on state and local emergency officials, the budget will allow staffing levels to be maintained at federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard and Secret Service.
Wimberly is president of Galain Solutions Inc., a consultancy with two practice areas: alerts, notifications and warnings; and selling and marketing to government. He also provides market research, training and government sales assessment services.
