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FA-15 FEDS ANNOUNCE APPLICATION PROCESSES FOR TWO HOMELAND SECURIT? GRANT PROGRAMS The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the FY 2003 application processes for two homeland security programs: Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the State Homeland Security Grant Program ( SHSGP). The fire grant program permits fire departments to apply directly for grant funding, while the SHSGP requires cities to apply to the states for funding. applicants, and are required to provide 80 percent of the funds allocated for equipment purchases in this program to local units of government within 45 days of the state grant award date. • Cal fomia will receive a total allocation of about $45 million, broken down into $31.6 million for equipment, $7.9 million for exercises, and $3.2 million for plan- ning. Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program • $750 million was provided in FY 2003 (up from $360 million in FY 2002) for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The online application form is available on the web at www.usfa.fema.gov. Fire departments will have until April 11, 2003 at 5 p.m., to complete and submit their applica- tions. Following the submission of applications, a peer review process will begin and continue through May. Funds will be distributed to successful appli- cants no later than July 2003. • Fire departments may submit an application for any one of four program areas and include as many activities within that one program as necessary to meet department needs: Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, Fire Prevention Program, Emergency Medical Services Program, and the Firefighting Vehicles Acquisition Program. • The law creating this program requires a 30% match for cities with a population over 50,000, and a 10% match for cities with a population under 50,000. Fire departments may not receive grants in excess of $750,000 per grant. The law requires that both career and volunteer agencies receive funding, with career departments competing for up to 45% of the available funding, and volunteer and combination departments competing for at least 55% of the available funding. No more than 25% of the total funding can be used for vehicle purchases. $45 Million for California in State Homeland Security Grant Program • The funding for SHSGP is being provided for equipment, acquisition, exercise, training and plan- ning and administration. States are the only eligible • The deadline for state application is April 22, 2003. Within 7 days of submission, a review will be com- pleted and state representatives will be notified of the status. Grants are to be available to the states within 21 days of that decision. Finally, states will have 45 days to sub - allocate the required 80 percent of the equipment funding. The application form is available at www.ojp.usdoj.govlfundopps.htm. PRESIDENT PROPOSES $2 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL LOCAL FUNDING FOR HOMELAND SECURITY On March 25, 2003 the President announced his $74.7 billion wartime supplemental appropria- tions request to Congress, which would provide funding for homeland security, including: • $2 billion through the Department of Homeland Security for state and local terrorism prepared- ness and prevention. Of this total: • $1.5 billion would be for first responder grants to the states for equipment, training, exercises and planning. States must allocate 80% of these funds to local governments. • $450 million would be for states to enhance security at critical infrastructure facilities as part of Operation Liberty Shield. States must allocate at least one -third of these funds to local govern- ments. • $50 million would be for protection or preparedness of major metropolitan areas at high risk, as determined by intelligence analysis and the Secretary of Homeland Security. The President has requested that Congress complete the supplemental by April 11. Visit the League's Official Web Site-- www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS /PAGE 5