Congresswoman Matsui Announces An Additional $4 Million for Sacramento Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
CONTACT: Alexis Marks or Mara Lee
(202) 225-7163
Federal Funds Are Vital To Local Law Enforcement
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui announced almost $4 million will come to Sacramento for emergency preparedness and homeland security. Made available through the FEMA preparedness grants designed to help states and urban areas improve their readiness and capabilities for all disasters and catastrophes, Sacramento law enforcement and first responders will get $3,938,350 from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
"Sacramento is home to so many federal and state buildings, as well as hosts a complex mix of transportation and infrastructure systems. It is critical that our community continues to receive federal funding to help bolster our regional security," said Rep. Matsui. "During these times of deep budget cuts and reduced spending on public safety, these federal funds are vital in order for our local law enforcement and first responders to protect our city."
Rep. Matsui has spearheaded efforts in Congress to ensure that these homeland security funds come to Sacramento. As a result of her efforts to increase funding and ensure that Sacramento remain eligible to receive these funds, more emergency responders in Sacramento will be able to boost their readiness for potential terrorist attacks.
"The Sacramento Police Department is thrilled to receive this money from the Department of Homeland Security," said Chief Rick Braziel of the Sacramento Police Department. "These funds are critical in preparing our community and first responders to plan for, train for, mitigate, and respond to a disaster or terrorism event."
In addition to local funding, California will receive $106,434,000 through the State Homeland Security Program to support the implementation of state strategies to equip and train personnel and plan to prevent, protect against and respond to acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events. The State will also receive $5,781,978 in Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) funding, and Sacramento will receive a portion of all of the funds allocated on a state level.
MMRS funding will enable jurisdictions to further enhance and sustain a comprehensive regional mass casualty incident response capability for response to all-hazards mass casualty incidents, including terrorism, naturally occurring events, and large-scale hazardous materials incidents. UASI funding is provided to select high-threat, high-density urban areas to assist them in building enhanced and sustainable capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.
"Keeping the people of the Sacramento region safe and secure is my number one priority, whether that means flood protection or emergency preparedness. I will continue to be a strong advocate for federal support for our region's security initiatives," said Congresswoman Matsui.
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