Disaster Grant Programs Hit Hard in 2011 Federal Budget

Several major source of funds for Vashon – as distributed from FEMA to the State and then to the King County OEM have taken a major hit. Future funding is going to be tighter:

The State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), which supports a variety of state and local endeavors, including exercises, training, planning and equipment was cut by $225 million. That’s slightly more than 26 percent of the program, leaving a 2011 budget of $725 million. FEMA asked for $1 billion for the SHSP program.
The program receiving the second largest jolt was the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. It was cut by 18 percent or $162 million, also leaving $725 million. The UASI program covers the 64 largest municipalities in the U.S.

- Read the full report at www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/State-Local-Agencies-Homeland-Security-Cuts-041911.html