Rep. Mark Takano Requests Urban Areas Security Initiative Funding Eligibility for Inland Empire

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside), Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Springs), and Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting the return of the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area to the funding eligibility list for the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). 

 

The letter states, “Since 2008, the Riverside UASI Region has used these grant funds to invest in critical initiatives, programs, equipment, and training directed at enhancing regional homeland security capabilities and capacities. 

 

“However, last year, FEMA was limited to funding only the “top” 25 jurisdictions by the FY 2013 Continuing Resolution (P.L. 112-175). The Riverside UASI region, which ranked number 29, did not receive funding. Without federal UASI funds, Riverside will be unable to maintain the investments it has already made and it will not be able to develop further capabilities.”

 

After sending the letter, Rep. Takano said, “The investments made in the Inland Empire thus far by the Department of Homeland Security have been effective and have greatly enhanced the capabilities of local personnel. Removing the Inland Empire from eligibility will have a damaging effect and leave our region unable to maintain the investments that have already been made. I urge Secretary Johnson to restore the Inland Empire’s eligibility so that we can continue to develop our capabilities against any potential threats.”

 

 

February 28, 2014

 

The Honorable Jeh Johnson

Secretary of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. 20528

                                                                 

Dear Mr. Johnson,

 

I write today to urge you to return the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area to the eligible list for Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Program funding, and restore UASI Program funding for the City of Riverside and the Riverside UASI Region. 

 

The Riverside UASI program is administered by the City of Riverside, which also serves as the Single Point of Contact for the Department of Homeland Security—Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS—FEMA). Its mission is to enhance the capabilities and capacities within the Greater Inland Empire Region of California to prevent, respond to, and recover from threats and acts of terrorism. The Riverside UASI Region includes two of the geographically largest counties in California, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. It is also home to over 4.3 million people, and has an annual gross domestic product of $114 billion. 

 

Since 2008, the Riverside UASI Region has used these grant funds to invest in critical initiatives, programs, equipment, and training directed at enhancing regional homeland security capabilities and capacities. The Riverside UASI Region has deployed UASI funded counter-terrorism personnel and tools to threats. For example, UASI trained personnel and UASI funded specialized equipment were used to track and arrest a former Transportation Security Administration screener for making terrorist threats against LAX Airport. 

 

However, last year, FEMA was limited to funding only the “top” 25 jurisdictions by the FY 2013 Continuing Resolution (P.L. 112-175). The Riverside UASI region, which ranked number 29, did not receive funding. Without federal UASI funds, Riverside will be unable to maintain the investments it has already made and it will not be able to develop further capabilities. Failing to maintain current investments or further develop capabilities is not an effective investment strategy.  

 

Again, I urge you to add the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA to the eligible list for FEMA UASI grant funding in accordance with the lifting of the arbitrary 25 jurisdiction cap by the Omnibus Appropriations Act and fully restore the Riverside UASI Regional Homeland Security Program to FY 2010 ($5.2 M) funding levels. I also urge you to reinstate a 36 month grant performance period for the investment and expenditure of UASI grand funds. 

 

Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                                          

 

MARK TAKANO

Member of Congress

 

GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD

Member of Congress

 

RAUL RUIZ

Member of Congress