Az.'s Federal Homeland Security Funding Dwindling

Gov. Napolitano has announced her actions to ensure the most effective & efficient use of federal homeland security dollars to keep Arizona safe & strong. These measures are being taken in anticipation of Arizona’s allotment of FY2006 U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funding, expected to be announced by early summer. These actions were prompted by the Governor’s concerns about Arizona’s dwindling allotment of federal homeland security funding to the State. Arizona can expect to see the trend of declining federal funding continue.

Since 2001, Arizona’s Office of Homeland Security has received & allocated $178 million in federal homeland security grant funding to local jurisdictions throughout the state to detect, prevent, prepare for, & respond to terrorist attacks & other critical incidents including floods and wildfires. In 2005, Arizona received $41 million in homeland security grants, a $20 million decrease in federal funding since 2003.

To ensure the most efficient use of the declining federal dollars, the Governor has asked for an independent review, which will assess: state & local homeland security spending; compliance with federal grant guidelines; & methods of efficiently administering the homeland security grant program. The Governor has requested initial findings by July 1st, with a final report expected in approx., 120 days. The review will be led by Peter Francis, who served as the Governor’s Director of Efficiency Review.