Homeland Security Department Details Funding Plans

Apr 1, 2003 12:00 PM

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has outlined its immediate priorities for funding in 2003, much of it centering on the monumental task of integrating 22 federal agencies into one conglomerate.

For border security, DHS will staff 460 inspectors at land ports of entry, 615 inspectors at airports and 85 seaport inspectors. In all, the department will hire 1,700 additional inspectors and 570 new border patrol agents. In addition to human upgrades, DHS has allocated more than $400 million for development of information technology upgrades to track foreigners entering the country and for non-intrusive inspection systems.

In addition to funding allocated to the U.S. Coast Guard and for security technology research, a first responder initiative will add $745 million to state budgets through the Firefighters Grant Program. Another $25 million is earmarked for states to modernize emergency response centers.

On top of its structured funding, DHS Secretary Tom Ridge announced last week that more than $560 million in public safety grants for first responders has been given to states, cities and towns based on population size. California received the largest share, at $45 million. Each allocation contains money for equipment, training, planning and practice exercises.

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