SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced California will receive more than $25 million dollars in FY 08 grant awards for programs to enhance border protection, regional catastrophic planning and preparedness, and protecting non-profit organizations deemed at risk.

California will receive $13.5 million under the new, Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP), designed to improve all-hazard planning for a catastrophic event. The money will be split equally between the Los Angeles-Long Beach area and the Bay Area (including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose). California’s share is 14% of the $60m national total.

California will receive $7,650,000 for Operation Stonegarden (OPSG). Under DHS guidelines the intent of OPSG is to enhance law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the border. California (San Diego/Imperial Counties/Border Patrol/State) will receive 13% of the $60m national total.

The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) awarded close to $4.1 million dollars to various nonprofit organizations in these California UASI’s:

Los Angeles-Long Beach $2,650,751

Bay Area (including San $1,139,730
Francisco, Oakland, San Jose)

San Diego Area $ 223,520

Anaheim/Santa Ana Area $ 75,000

NSGP provides funding support for target-hardening activities to nonprofit organizations deemed by DHS to be at high risk of a terrorist attack. 27% of the $15m national total is going to California.

“The risks facing California are real and we’re glad to see these funds coming into the state,” said Office of Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen. “California will continue to push for higher funding levels to meet all our emergency preparedness needs.”

For further information regarding the grants and about the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, please visit our website, www.ohs.ca.gov.