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DHS Grant Programs Put New Focus on Risk

Last month, the Department of Homeland Security made its latest move to make risk central to its grant awards when it announced changes to the Urban Areas Security Initiative

By Diann Daniel

February 01, 2006 — CSO —

Last month, the Department of Homeland Security made its latest move to make risk central to its grant awards when it announced changes to the Urban Areas Security Initiative. It's at least the second time the department has upped the risk coefficient for grants. Last year, DHS overhauled the Port Security Grant Program (which provided $142 million in grants to 36 ports) by placing greater emphasis on national security risks.

For FY05, DHS limited its Port Security Grant Program's application process to include only the 66 ports and maritime facilities facing the greatest threats of terrorism. Previously, all of the nation's 361 ports were eligible. Homeland Security officials developed a risk analysis formula to determine which ports were most vulnerable to attack. Applicants had to demonstrate that grants going to improve facilities would return security ROI for that port's greatest security threat. For example, proposed enhancements to port terminals, passenger vessels and ferries needed to show how they would prevent, say, underwater attacks or vehicle-borne explosives. Local Coast Guard captains reviewed grant applications with an eye toward nearby vulnerabilities, such as the presence of oil and gas tankers.

The grant awards range from Houston's $35.3 million to the $20,750 that Savannah, Ga., received. DHS also granted about $33 million to private companies committing matching funds.

George Cummings, director of homeland security for the Port of Los Angeles, says the port will use its $11.4 million grant for a fiber-optic system that will link all 27 terminals of Los Angeles with each other and with the neighboring 23 terminals of the Port of Long Beach to improve security coordination. The grant will also be used to enhance the Port of Los Angeles's ability to detect improvised explosive devices, and expand video surveillance.